In an exclusive interview with CNN on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2024, Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed his alignment with the special prosecutor’s plea for expeditious trials in the federal cases against former President Donald Trump. These cases involve charges of election subversion and mishandling of classified documents, brought forward last year by special counsel Jack Smith.
Garland underscored the urgency emphasized by Smith, asserting that a swift resolution of these matters is imperative before the anticipated 2024 presidential election, where Trump is expected to run again. Despite his concurrence with Smith’s position, Garland clarified that the trial dates would now be determined by the judicial system, relinquishing control from the Justice Department.
Addressing the timing and conduct of the investigations led by Smith, Garland staunchly defended the former federal prosecutor and FBI official. Responding to criticisms from Trump and his allies, who deemed the investigations as politically motivated, Garland maintained that Smith diligently followed the facts and the law, initiating the cases when he deemed them ready.
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“Special prosecutors follow the facts and the law. They brought cases when they thought they were ready,” Garland affirmed.
The charges filed by Smith’s office against Trump last year include two counts of election subversion, alleging attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The charges claim that Trump pressured state and local officials, spread false claims of fraud, and incited the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Additionally, Trump faces four counts of mishandling classified documents, accusing him of disclosing sensitive information post his departure from the White House.
Trump, maintaining his innocence, has labeled the charges as a “witch hunt” and a “hoax,” asserting presidential immunity from prosecution for his official actions while in office.
Trump’s legal team has employed various delay tactics, filing motions to dismiss charges, change venues, and challenge the constitutionality and impartiality of the special counsel. The trial for the election subversion case is scheduled for March 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C., pending a potential delay by a federal appeals court’s ruling on Trump’s request to block the case based on presidential immunity.
Simultaneously, the mishandling of classified documents case is slated for trial on May 5, 2024, in Miami, Florida. However, this date is subject to change should Trump’s legal team succeed in altering the case’s venue or obtaining a stay from a higher court.
Anticipation is high for these trials, given their potential impact on the 2024 presidential election. Recent polls indicate Trump’s leading position in the Republican field as the party’s nominee. The 2024 presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2024, with the winner to be sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025.
