U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia, Tanya Chutkan, has set the trial date for former President Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election for March 4, 2024. This places the trial squarely in the midst of the GOP presidential primary calendar.
The trial’s schedule, coinciding with the crux of the primary season, is expected to spark intense political scrutiny from Republicans. Significantly, the onset of the trial is a mere day before a pivotal event in the Republican nomination process: Super Tuesday.
Judge Chutkan’s ruling follows the investigation by Special Counsel Jack Smithinto Trump’s potential involvement in the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021, and purported meddling in the 2020 election results. On August 1, Trump faced four federal indictments as a result of Smith’s January 6 inquiry.
These charges encompass conspiring to defraud the United States, plotting to obstruct an official proceeding, obstructing and attempting to obstruct an official process, and conspiracy against rights. Trump has staunchly refuted all allegations, asserting his innocence.
The defense team for Trump had initially proposed a trial start date in April 2026, well after the results of the 2024 presidential election would be known. However, this request was firmly rejected by Judge Chutkan, who stated, “I can tell you right now you are not getting two years. This case is not going to trial in 2026.”
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