In a recent development in the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, a federal judge in Florida has declined to delay the trial for the handling of classified documents, despite a request from Trump's defense team. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon deemed the request “premature” but did adjust other deadlines in the case and indicated that she would reconsider the trial date at a later time. As it stands, the trial is scheduled to begin on May 20, 2024.

Trump's lawyers had argued that they needed more time to review the extensive amount of evidence presented in the case, which includes both classified and unclassified materials. They also cited scheduling challenges due to Trump's involvement in three additional criminal prosecutions awaiting trial. However, Special Counsel Jack Smith's team strongly opposed the request, urging the judge to maintain the original trial date.

Judge Cannon expressed sympathy towards the defense's arguments, acknowledging the high volume of evidence and Trump's scheduled federal and state trials in March. She recognized the challenges in ensuring Trump has sufficient time to prepare for trial and assist in his defense. Cannon adjusted several pretrial motion deadlines but kept the trial date intact. She intends to revisit the defense's request during a scheduling conference in March.

The case in Florida comprises numerous felony charges against the Republican former president, accusing him of unlawfully retaining classified documents at his Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, and concealing them from government investigators. Trump has pleaded not guilty to these charges. In addition to the Florida case, Trump is facing federal charges in Washington, D.C., related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. He also faces charges in Georgia involving attempts to undermine the state's election results and a separate case in New York concerning falsification of business records tied to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.

Trump has consistently maintained his innocence, refuting any wrongdoing in all the cases against him. He asserts that they are politically motivated attempts to prevent him from returning to the White House, although he has provided no evidence to support these claims.

While Judge Cannon's decision to uphold the trial date for now allows the proceedings to move forward, she has left open the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future. The trial is set to occur as Trump pursues the GOP presidential nomination and shortly before the Republican Party officially nominates its candidate to challenge President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election. The trial will be held in Fort Pierce, Florida.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.