Supporters of former President Donald Trump are expressing their discontent following Attorney General Merrick Garland’s endorsement for a speedy trial regarding Trump’s alleged involvement in 2020 election interference.
Claims of Presidential Immunity
The trial is set to commence on March 4, but a delay is possible. Trump’s legal team contends that he enjoys immunity from prosecution due to the fact that the actions in question took place during his presidency.
Strategy to Delay Trial
Speculations suggest this strategy aims to delay the trial past the upcoming election in hopes of ultimately discarding the charges.
Garland Supports Speedy Trial
In an interview with CNN on Thursday, AG Garland said, “The special prosecutor has said from the beginning that he thinks public interest requires a speedy trial, which I agree with.”
Discretion of the Judge
He added, “The matter is now in the hands of the trial judge to determine when a trial will take place.”
Push for Quick Trials
Special counsel Jack Smith and prosecutors have been advocating for expeditious trials in anticipation of the 2024 presidential election, given Trump’s prominent position as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
Trial Timing Amid Election Concerns
When questioned about the possibility of the trials being initiated too late, given the Justice Department’s policies concerning election periods, Garland reaffirmed his previous statement.
“Not in Our Hands”
He remarked, “I’ll just say, you know, what I just said. The cases were brought last year, the prosecutor has urged speeding trials with, with which I agree, and it’s now in the hands of the judicial system, not in our hands.”
Outrage Among Trump’s Circle
Garland’s statements stirred anger among former President Trump’s supporters as they see this as an attempt by the Biden administration to influence the trial.
Claims of “ELECTION INTERFERENCE”
Trump’s advisor, Jason Miller, posted on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Biden of orchestrating the trial through Garland. Miller wrote, “ELECTION INTERFERENCE! We knew this was all coming from Joe Biden himself. Merrick Garland just made it official.”
Political Maneuvering to Aid Biden
Similarly, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon labeled Garland’s comments as a direct political maneuver to benefit Biden. Bannon said, “DIRECT LAWFARE ELECTION INTERFERENCE” to “save Biden AND himself.”
Threat to Democracy
“Joe Biden is the real threat to democracy — trying to jail his top political rival. Brazen election interference,” penned Daniel Baldwin, a journalist with the conservative news outlet One America News.
Motives Behind DOJ Pursuit
Trump has also asserted that the Department of Justice is pursuing him for political motives, including attempts to undermine his campaign, especially since he is likely to secure the Republican presidential nomination for the upcoming election.
Allegation of Delays
During the interview, the Attorney General seemed to reject the notion that Smith took too long to initiate the cases against Trump.
Timing Based on Readiness
Garland stated, “Special prosecutors follow the facts and the law. They brought cases when they thought they were ready.”
Smith’s Cases Against Trump
Last year, Smith’s office filed charges against Trump on two fronts. One is related to his attempts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election, and the other is pertaining to the alleged mishandling of classified documents by the former president following his departure from the White House.
Right to Speedy Trial
In a court filing last August, Special Counsel Smith contended that the public possesses a “right” to a speedy trial in Trump’s cases, as he opposed setting a trial date for 2026.
Opposition to the 2026 Trial Date
Smith wrote, “In service of a proposed trial date in 2026 that would deny the public its right to a speedy trial, the defendant cites inapposite statistics and cases, overstates the amount of new and non-duplicative discovery, and exaggerates the challenge of reviewing it effectively.”
Court Deciding Immunity Claim
A federal appeals court in Washington is anticipated to deliver a ruling on Trump’s immunity claim in the coming days, which could impact the trial’s scheduled start date.
Florida Trial Set for May
The classified documents case is currently scheduled to begin in Florida in May.
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