Justice Department rejects Trump’s request to postpone trial in classified documents case.

The Department of Justice Rejects Trump’s Request to Delay Trial

The Department of Justice has strongly rebuked former President Donald Trump’s attempt to postpone his criminal trial in the classified documents case until after the 2024 election. Special counsel Jack Smith has urged Judge Aileen Cannon to proceed with jury selection on Thursday and requested that the trial begin on December 11.

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Trump’s attorneys filed a motion on Monday to delay the trial, arguing that the upcoming presidential race could pose challenges in selecting impartial jurors and that the trial could impact the election outcome.

However, Smith responded to Trump’s request on Thursday, vehemently opposing the motion and stating that there is “no basis in law or fact” for the delay.

Since Trump was charged with 37 federal felony counts in June, his defense has relied on the Presidential Records Act, claiming that he was allowed to retain the classified documents. Trump’s attorney and co-defendant, Walt Nauta, wrote in a court filing that the intersection between the Presidential Records Act and the criminal statutes at issue has never been addressed by any court and could result in a dismissal of the indictment.

Smith strongly disagreed with this argument, stating that using the Presidential Records Act as a defense “borders on frivolous.” The 1978 law clearly establishes that presidential records must be transferred to the Archivist as soon as the President leaves office.

Smith has emphasized the need for a speedy trial in the documents case and has dismissed the idea that Trump’s busy schedule should be a reason for delay, stating that many indicted defendants have demanding jobs and travel extensively.

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