The federal court in Florida, overseen by Judge Aileen Cannon, has indefinitely postponed the trial concerning the handling of classified documents by former US President, Donald Trump, earlier slated for 20th May.
This decision was expected considering the remaining unresolved issues in the case and Mr Trump’s ongoing trial in Manhattan, where he faces charges linked to undisclosed payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. The cases share several lawyers on Mr. Trump’s defence team.
On Tuesday, Ms Cannon issued a detailed five-page directive, expressing that it would be ill-advised to set a new date for the trial at the present moment. This statement further questions the feasibility of federal prosecutors bringing Mr Trump to trial ahead of the November presidential elections.
Accusations against Mr Trump are numerous including, unlawful retention of classified documents after departing from the White House in 2021, which he kept in his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida, and later obstructing FBI efforts to recover these documents. However, Mr. Trump maintains his innocence and has entered a not guilty plea.
As Mr Trump endeavours to regain the presidency, he faces four separate criminal cases. It remains uncertain, aside from the New York prosecution, if the other three will make it to trial before the election.
The US Supreme Court is assessing Mr Trump’s contention that he holds immunity against federal charges in a different case, led by special counsel Jack Smith charging him with conspiracy to undermine the 2020 presidential election.
Further, a distinct case regarding election sabotage has been initiated by prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia. However, the timeline of its trial remains doubtful.