Toba Owojaiye Reporting
During a hearing on Monday, Judge Chutkan listened to arguments from both Donald Trump’s lawyers and federal prosecutors regarding the timing of the trial. The special counsel proposed starting the trial in January with jury selection in December of this year, while Trump’s team suggested pushing it back to April 2026 after the presidential election.
Judge Chutkan observed that these proposals were significantly different and found neither of them acceptable. She emphasized that Trump would have to prioritize the trial, and the schedule would not be changed based on other professional obligations, such as those of a professional athlete.
Judge Chutkan highlighted that there is a public interest in the fair and timely administration of justice. Trump’s lawyer argued that going to trial next year would violate his client’s rights due to the extensive amount of discovery provided by prosecutors.
According to Trump’s lawyer, the proposed schedule from the special counsel aimed to create a show trial rather than a speedy trial. He acknowledged that Trump is not above the law but asserted that he is not below it either.
After Judge Chutkan made her ruling, Trump’s lawyer objected on the record, stating that the defense team would not be able to adequately represent their client with that trial date. She noted the objection and proceeded with the hearing.
Earlier in the hearing, Judge Chutkan expressed that while the special counsel’s proposed schedule was too soon, Trump’s suggestion of 2026 was not reasonable. She stated that the discovery materials were not simply sitting in a warehouse, as the process involves reviewing each page thoroughly.
Judge Chutkan firmly stated that the trial would not take place in 2026. She emphasized that Trump’s team has already had time to prepare, considering the public has been aware of the grand jury investigation since September 2022, along with the identification of many witnesses.
Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., on four charges related to the 2020 presidential election. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in August.
Federal prosecutors argued for a January trial start, emphasizing the public’s interest in a speedy trial, especially considering the defendant’s status as a former president. Trump’s attorneys requested an April 2026 trial start, referring to the substantial amount of discovery and his ongoing legal issues in other jurisdictions.
Apart from this case, Trump is facing three other criminal cases in New York, Georgia, and Florida. The trials in New York and Florida are scheduled for March and May, respectively, while trial proceedings have yet to be scheduled in the Georgia case.
Trump was not required to attend Monday’s hearing, which took place at a courthouse overlooking the site of violence on January 6, 2021. Judge Chutkan has previously received death threats concerning the case and warned Trump against intimidating witnesses, reminding him that his right to free speech is not absolute.