The classified documents case involving former US President Donald Trump is now scheduled to begin on May 20, 2024, in Fort Pierce, Florida, as ruled by Judge Aileen Cannon.
This decision follows arguments presented by federal prosecutors and defense attorneys at a recent hearing in Fort Pierce.
Initially, special counsel Jack Smith had requested a December 11 start date, but the judge’s decision to set the trial for May 2024 was a setback for Trump.
His legal team had hoped to postpone the proceedings until after the presidential election, but their request was not granted.
The trial involves 37 counts against Trump, including allegations of willfully retaining national defense information, conspiring to obstruct justice, and making false statements.
Additionally, former White House valet Walt Nauta faces six felony counts for allegedly assisting Trump in concealing top-secret national security files after leaving office.
Both Trump and Nauta have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Notably, Trump is also facing another criminal trial, set to begin in March, involving 34 felony counts in Manhattan related to alleged falsification of business records concerning hush money payments prior to the 2016 presidential election.
