judge Chutak asked Thursday said a possible start date Donald Trump‘s election subversion trial is still “months” away.
That’s likely music to Trump’s ears, as the former president and his team have fought tooth and nail to have each of his criminal charges pushed back after the Nov. 5 general election.
Election Day is exactly two months away, but Chutkan’s recent comments suggest she doesn’t believe Trump’s trial will begin before then. She was adamant that politics had no influence on the trial, but acknowledged the national importance of the case.
“Let’s discuss what sensitive time is,” she said. “I understand that the election is pending. I have said it before and I will say it again that elections are not relevant here. This court is not concerned with the electoral process.
Chutkan said she would release a schedule for the case “as soon as possible,” adding that set trial dates could be released as early as the day.
Thursday marked the first time federal prosecutors and Trump’s legal team were inside the capital courtroom in Chutkan since last year. After sparring with prosecutors and defense attorneys, Chutkan on Thursday formally presented Trump with a superseding charge that matched the allegations in his original indictment.
Trump did not attend Thursday’s hearing, however Politico reported that his lawyers have confirmed that he has read the indictment and intends to plead not guilty a second time.
Trump’s attorney, John Lauro, asked Chutak not to rush into action. The judge replied that the numerous delays that have already plagued the case are proof that she is handling things in a timely manner.
“The case is pending for a year,” she said. “We’re hardly racing to the finish line here.”
Things got a little chippy between Lauro and Chutkan at one point, with the judge clearly tired of hearing Trump’s team talk ad nauseam about the national importance of the case.
As Lauro began to stand up to speak at one point, Chutak shouted, “I don’t need any more rhetoric on how serious or serious this is.”
Lauro shot back: “That’s not rhetoric. It is called a legal argument.
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