Special Counsel Jack Smith fantasizes about a trial of former President Trump happening prior to next November’s election. Smith wants nothing more than a conviction that would be hurtful to Trump’s presidential bid. In this mission, Smith has obtained two indictments of Trump: one in Florida for the alleged mishandling and retention of classified records; and the other in the District of Columbia over events related to the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Florida case is bogged down in discovery and other issues, so Smith is best positioned to secure a trial in the District of Columbia. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan scheduled a March 4, 2024, trial date, but this plan has hit a snag: jurisdiction.
This is why the system needs to be reformed.