Florida judge does not change Trump trial date

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Friday ended a hearing on Trump’s Florida classified documents case without pushing back the May 20 trial date, but she reportedly acknowledged in the hearing that the prosecution’s timeline for the case was “unrealistic.”

What else did the hearing discuss? Judge Cannon issued an order three days before the hearing instructing counsel for both sides to come prepared to discuss certain evidentiary issues, along with scheduling concerns. Two days before the hearing Judge Cannon had denied a motion by Trump’s attorneys to have access to certain classified documents used by the prosecution in its case against the former president.

What’s the background on this case? Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith in June of last year indicted Trump and his valet, Walt Nauta for mishandling classified documents. In July, the government issued a superseding indictment charging Carlos de Oliveira, the property manager at Mar-a-Lago Club, as well. Former President Donald Trump has filed a motion to dismiss the charges against him on grounds of presidential immunity.

Dig deeper: Read my conversation with former presidential candidate Ryan Binkley, featuring his take on the charges against Trump.