Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump have requested a federal judge to delay his criminal trial until after the next presidential election. Trump and his co-defendant, personal aide Walt Nauta, face charges related to the mishandling of classified documents found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort last year. Trump's defense team argues that beginning the trial within six months of the indictment would be unreasonable and result in a miscarriage of justice. They also point out that Trump is running for president and needs sufficient time and energy to campaign until the election on November 5, 2024. Additionally, Nauta's role requires him to accompany Trump during his campaign trips.

However, special counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing the case, opposes the delay and argues that it is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. Smith urged the federal judge to reject Nauta's request to delay a hearing scheduled for Friday. He argued that Nauta's attorneys failed to provide a valid reason why Nauta cannot be represented by his local Florida attorney at the hearing. Smith also stated that Nauta's defense team has not completed the necessary security clearances.

The trial timeline is still to be determined, but the special counsel had previously hoped to put Trump on trial in mid-December. It remains to be seen if the former president and Nauta will object to that proposed timeframe.