In a significant development, a federal judge has set the trial date for former President Donald Trump's criminal case involving the withholding and concealing of classified and top-secret documents. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 20, 2024, in Florida, which coincides with the tail end of the Republican presidential primary process.

As Trump is currently the front-runner for the GOP nomination, it is possible that he could already be the nominee by that time. US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who presides over the Fort Pierce court in Florida, stated in her order that the case is complex and the evidence is extensive, requiring substantial time to review. The evidence includes classified and top-secret documents that necessitate special handling procedures. The judge's decision to set the trial for May allows both sides to adequately prepare for the case. Trump is facing a total of 37 counts, including over 30 violations of the Espionage Act, as well as charges of making false statements and conspiring to obstruct justice. The indictment alleges that Trump directed his aide, Walt Nauta, to move boxes containing classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida, and then lied to federal investigators about it.

Trump's defense team had requested a delay in the trial until late next year, citing his busy schedule as he runs for president again and deals with multiple lawsuits and criminal indictments. They argued that Trump deserved special consideration, claiming that this case is unlike any other. However, the judge rejected their request, stating that Trump is a private citizen indicted by a grand jury and should be treated as such. Prosecutors, on the other hand, had sought an earlier trial date in December. They rejected the notion that Trump should receive special treatment and argued that the publicity and press coverage surrounding the trial should not be a reason for delay.

This trial marks uncharted territory in US politics, as Trump is the first former or current president to face criminal charges. It presents unique challenges, as no presidential candidate, especially a front-runner, has ever faced the demands of a single criminal trial during a campaign season, let alone two. In addition to the federal documents case, Trump is also facing charges in a New York state case related to alleged falsification of business documents. It is important to note that Trump is the subject of at least two other ongoing criminal investigations, one by the Department of Justice for efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election and another in Georgia for alleged election interference. These additional cases could result in further charges against Trump in the near future. As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see how this historic case unfolds and its potential impact on Trump's political ambitions.