Former President Donald Trump has requested a deadline extension in his federal classified documents case, citing his focus on an ongoing trial in New York. Trump and his defense attorneys are unable to meet the May deadline for reviewing classified evidence in the federal case due to the necessity of conducting the review in a secure facility in Florida, while they are engaged in the New York trial.
In a court filing, Trump's attorneys stated that it is challenging for them to prepare or discuss the required filings outside of a secure facility, known as a SCIF. This task is deemed virtually impossible given Trump's and his legal team's involvement in the New York trial.
Trump faces charges of illegally retaining national defense information and concealing documents in violation of witness-tampering laws, among other alleged crimes. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Special counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting the case, has opposed Trump's request for an extension. Smith argued in court filings that Trump and his legal team have already had sufficient time to meet the May 9 deadline.
