In an escalating legal drama surrounding former President Donald Trump, a Florida District Court has determined May 20, 2024, as the trial date in the case regarding his alleged misuse of classified documents.
The announcement came via a recent court filing released by Judge Aileen Cannon.
The timing of the trial holds significant implications, as it is slated to commence during the critical phase of the general election.
Notably, the Republican nominee for the upcoming election would likely have been decided by then.
April polling revealed two-thirds of Republican primary voters say they stand behind Trump and dismiss concerns about his electability, even following his indictments.
Disagreements between the Department of Justice and Trump’s legal representation regarding the trial scheduling have emerged in the past.
While the former President has expressed a preference for the trial to be postponed until after the 2024 elections, Special Counsel Jack Smith had proposed a trial date in mid-December.
U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has launched a legislative bid to defund the Special Counsel’s Office.
According to the court filing, the process of jury selection will kick off on May 14, leading up to the two-week trial period set to begin on May 20.
The set trial date falls at a time when the majority of the primary races, including the important Super Tuesday, are expected to be concluded.
Current front-runner in the Republican nomination race, Trump, if chosen as the nominee, is anticipated to leverage the unprecedented indictment as a key talking point in his presidential campaign.
In June, Trump was hit with 37 criminal charges linked to his supposed attempts to hold onto classified information post-presidency and obstruct justice.
His legal troubles do not end there, as he also faces other investigations while on his campaign trail.
This includes an examination into his alleged attempts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power in the 2020 elections.
