Trump’s lawyers request a delay in the December trial for classified documents.

Attorneys for former President Donald Trump are seeking a delay in the upcoming trial over his alleged mishandling of classified documents. They argue that the Biden administration’s schedule is unrealistic and that the case is unprecedented.

In June, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted Mr. Trump on 37 felony charges, including the willful retention of national defense information and conspiring to obstruct justice. Despite pleading not guilty, Mr. Trump maintains that the case against him is politically motivated.

The trial was originally set to begin in August, but the Department of Justice (DOJ) requested a December start date to allow Mr. Trump’s lawyers enough time to obtain the necessary security clearances to review classified documents related to the case.

In a motion filed on July 10, Mr. Trump’s lawyers, along with his personal aide and co-defendant Walt Nauta, urged the judge to further delay the trial. They argued that a trial starting within a few months would not provide sufficient time for effective preparation, potentially resulting in a miscarriage of justice.

Case Is of ‘Extraordinary Nature’

“This extraordinary case presents a serious challenge to both the fact and perception of our American democracy,” the attorneys wrote. “The Court now presides over a prosecution advanced by the administration of a sitting President against his chief political rival, himself a leading candidate for the Presidency of the United States.”

“Therefore, a measured consideration and timeline that allows for a careful and complete review of the procedures that led to this indictment and the unprecedented legal issues presented herein best serves the interests of the Defendants and the public,” they continued.

“Based on the extraordinary nature of this action, there is most assuredly no reason for any expedited trial, and a continuance best serves the ends of justice,” they wrote.

The former President’s attorneys further argued that the DOJ’s attempts to set a December trial date are unwarranted as there is “no ongoing threat to national security.”