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Trump classified documents trial postponed indefinitely

May 7, 2024

The former US president's trial in Florida on charges of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office has been postponed. Judge Cannon shelved the May 20 process without setting a new date.

https://p.dw.com/p/4fbgX
Former US President Donald Trump speaks to the press during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City
It is unlikely the case will be heard before the November presidential electionImage: Steven Hirsch/AFP

The judge presiding over former US President Donald Trump's case, for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving office, indefinitely postponed the start of his trial on Tuesday.

Trump had been scheduled to go on trial on May 20 but US District Judge Aileen Cannon said that was not possible because of the number of pre-trial motions before the court.

Cannon, a Trump appointee, did not set a new date for the start of the federal trial and it is unlikely to take place before the presidential election, which will take place in November.

Cannon said in a five-page order that it would be "imprudent" to set a new date.

What is Trump accused of?

Trump is accused of illegally keeping highly sensitive information after leaving the Oval Office at the beginning of 2021.

In August 2022, the FBI raided his Florida mansion, seizing files classified as top secret.

Trump is also alleged to have made attempts to obstruct the probe. 

Biden roasts Trump at correspondents' dinner

Trump's legal battles

Trump's attorneys have sought to delay his various criminal cases until after the presidential election, when the 77-year-old could potentially have the federal charges against him dropped if he returns to the White House.

Tuesday's development would appear to be a success for Trump, as he is trying to delay the start of the process as much as possible, with the presidential election just months away.

Trump is currently on trial in New York where he is accused of paying $130,000 in "hush money" to Stormy Daniels to remain silent about an affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election, an allegation the Republican candidate denies.

jsi/kb (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)