Smith said that the nature of the charges alleged in the case require the proceedings to be held swiftly.
“A January 2 trial date would vindicate the public’s strong interest in a speedy trial — an interest guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law in all cases, but of particular significance here, where the defendant, a former president, is charged with conspiring to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election, obstruct the certification of the election results, and discount citizens’ legitimate votes,” he wrote.
But Trump’s legal team will have the opportunity to submit its own proposed schedule for the trial and will likely ask for a much later date. The former president’s lawyers have previously sought to until after the 2024 election, claiming that Trump wouldn’t be able to receive a fair trial while running for reelection.Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world.