DOJ Accuses Trump of Manipulative Delay Tactics in Documents and Election Cases; Judge Considers Postponing Trials

Trump's lawyers seek to delay federal trials on classified documents and 2020 election meddling till after the 2024 elections; DOJ cautions Judge Cannon against manipulation tactics while she shows readiness to delay trials despite criticism for favoring Trump's co-defendants.

Donald Trump faces 40 charges over allegations he illegally retained top secret and sensitive materials after he left the White House in 2021, and obstructed federal attempts to retrieve them. His co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are accused of conspiring with him to obstruct the investigation.
Judge Aileen Cannon has faced criticism after allowing Trump's co-defendants to review some of the classified evidence. She also indicated she might move the classified documents trial beyond its current start date in May 2024, aligning with Trump's lawyers' appeals for delay.
The DOJ warns that Trump is trying to manipulate the trial schedule to his advantage. According to them, Trump’s legal team simultaneously argues that the trials should be postponed due to schedule conflicts but also seeks to delay proceedings in the election case, demonstrating an overriding interest in delaying both trials.
Trump’s lawyers argue that he has presidential 'immunity', and submitted a request to delay the case until after the 2024 election. If Trump wins the election, he could try to have the charges against him dropped before the cases go to trial.
Federal prosecutor Jack Smith warned Judge Cannon not to be 'manipulated' into delaying the trial at Trump's request. He revealed that Trump's legal team did not disclose their motion to stay the proceedings in the Washington, D.C. case based on presidential immunity.