by Kim Jinyeong
Published 15 Mar.2024 08:03(KST)
Updated 15 Mar.2024 08:14(KST)
On the 14th (local time), a U.S. federal court rejected former President Donald Trump's request to dismiss the prosecution against him. As a result, former President Trump will continue to face trial on charges related to the leaking and illegal possession of classified documents.
The federal court in Florida began hearings on the motion to dismiss the special counsel's indictment filed by former President Trump's legal team. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, is accused of leaking numerous classified documents, including nuclear-related materials, to his residence in Florida during his presidency.
During the trial attended by former President Trump, the special counsel emphasized the legitimacy of the indictment. They argued that all the classified documents taken outside were official in nature, and having access to classified documents does not grant the right to possess them.
On the other hand, the defense attorneys claimed that the 'Espionage Act' applied to former President Trump is vague and unconstitutional. They stressed that the documents taken were all personal records of former President Trump, making the indictment unjust.
Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed during Trump's presidency, stated in her order, "After careful review of the request and consideration of the issues raised during the hearing, the defendant's request is denied." She mentioned that during the hearing, the document leak case from when Joe Biden was Vice President was also not prosecuted, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the indictment against former President Trump, but ultimately supported maintaining the indictment.
Earlier, some speculated that Judge Cannon's negative stance on the core legal theory of the 'Espionage Act' presented by Trump's side could lead to an unfavorable decision for former President Trump.
Former President Trump is currently facing 88 charges across four criminal trials, including leaking classified documents, attempting to overturn the election results, interfering in Georgia's election, and allegations of hush money related to a sexual misconduct scandal. The original 91 charges were reduced to 88 after some were dismissed by a Georgia court the previous day.
Among these, the trial related to the hush money allegations is scheduled to take place on the 25th at the Manhattan Federal Court in New York. However, Trump's legal team has requested a delay in the trial schedule until the U.S. Supreme Court issues a ruling on his immunity. The prosecution has stated it does not oppose a 30-day trial postponement.
Some analysts suggest that these judicial risks could ultimately hinder former President Trump's campaign. This contrasts with President Joe Biden, who is visiting battleground states and gaining early momentum in the election race.
On the same day, President Biden visited Michigan, a battleground state, emphasizing the "crisis of democracy" and advocating the "no Trump" stance for the upcoming rematch in the November election. The day before, he visited Milwaukee, Wisconsin, another battleground state, highlighting his economic achievements and appealing for support. From the 18th to the 20th, he plans to campaign in Nevada and Arizona, key battleground states in the Midwest.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.