Former U.S. president Donald Trump has been given a trial date of March 4, 2024, in a case where he is accused of plotting to overturn the results of the last presidential election. Trump's lawyers had requested a trial in April 2026, citing the need to review 11.5 million pages of documents received from prosecutors. However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan deemed these dates unacceptable, stating that the public has the right to a prompt resolution of the matter.
Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, argued that the case involved unique legal issues that would require significant time to sort out. However, prosecutor Molly Gaston countered that there was an "incredibly strong public interest" in a speedy trial, as Trump is accused of attempting to overturn an election and disenfranchise millions.
The indictment against Trump, handed down earlier this month, charges him with four felony counts related to his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss. These charges include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. A conviction could result in a years-long prison sentence.
In addition to this case, Trump faces three other criminal indictments. One trial is set to begin in New York on March 25, 2024, involving allegations of falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments. Another federal trial is scheduled for May 20, 2023, in a case where Trump faces Espionage Act and other charges related to unlawfully retaining government documents. Trump also faces charges filed by a Georgia prosecutor accusing him of illegally scheming to overturn the 2020 election result in that state, with a formal arraignment scheduled for September 6.
Overall, Trump faces a total of 91 felony counts in the four criminal indictments. As the trial dates compete for his time, Trump's legal exposure and presidential campaign have garnered public awareness. Trump has frequently invoked his criminal cases in social media posts and speeches, often criticizing the prosecutors involved and raising funds from supporters. In addition to the criminal cases, Trump is also facing a civil case in New York in October and a second defamation lawsuit in January 2025. Polls suggest that he could potentially lose significant support, even from Republican voters, if he were to be convicted in any of the criminal cases.