As you may already be aware, the trial date for the 2020 federal election case against former President Trump in Washington, D.C. has been postponed indefinitely. This development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, leaving Trump’s adversaries fuming. The trial, originally scheduled to begin on March 4, was put on hold pending a federal appeals court hearing on Trump’s argument that he should not be charged due to his status as the president before the Capitol riots. The postponement of the trial date has significant implications, both for Trump and his critics.
The trial was set to commence on March 4, but District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s recent order effectively removed it from the docket and court calendar. The decision to postpone the trial date comes as no surprise, given the increasing unlikelihood that the March 4 date would hold. Trump’s legal team had already disclosed that prosecutors were submitting court documents despite the case being on hold. Judge Chutkan admonished the prosecutors, insisting that they seek her permission before filing any further court documents.
The postponement of the trial date until after the 2024 presidential election comes as a significant relief for Trump. This delay allows the former president to focus on his post-presidential endeavors without the added burden of a trial hanging over his head. Predictably, Trump’s supporters view this development as a triumph for their leader, while his detractors seethe at the perceived injustice. CNN’s legal analyst, Ryan Goodman, appeared on the network to discuss the far-reaching implications of removing the March 4 hearing from the court calendar.
The indefinite postponement of the trial date carries considerable weight. Judge Chutkan could have indicated a provisional start date for the trial, but her decision not to suggests the extent to which the proceedings have been suspended. All eyes are now on the DC circuit, with the judge awaiting a mandate from them. However, there is a possibility that by the time the mandate is issued, Judge Chutkan’s calendar may already be full, further delaying the trial. The uncertainty surrounding the trial start date adds extra pressure on the DC circuit to rule promptly.
While the indefinite postponement of the trial date is undoubtedly good news for Trump, it is not an assurance that he is entirely out of the woods. Judge Chutkan’s decision sends a signal to the DC circuit that the trial’s disruption is significant. This signal may compel the DC circuit to rule swiftly, leading to a potential Supreme Court decision. If the Supreme Court decides to intervene, the trial could be put back on track. Therefore, while it is a good day for Trump, the outcome is far from certain.
The implications of the trial delay extend beyond the federal election case. There are lingering questions about other trials against Trump, particularly in Georgia. The Hush Money case, which has been seen as highly politicized, could potentially be the next trial to proceed. This criminal case might take precedence over others due to its perceived weaknesses and lower risk of imprisonment. The reliance on witnesses like Michael Cohen further diminishes its gravity. It is plausible that this could be the only criminal case brought to trial before the election.