Special Counsel Vows Speedy Trial
Former President Donald Trump will receive a "speedy trial" on a 37-count felony indictment brought against him by a federal grand jury in Miami, Special Counsel Jack Smith said on Friday.
The details of the indictment were released by Smith's office on the same day that Trump himself announced the charges against him. The charges include multiple counts of willfully retaining national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, corruptly concealing documents or records, and making false statements. They were related to Trump's alleged mishandling of sensitive documents at his Mar-a-Lago complex in Florida.
"Today, an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws, as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice," Smith said. "This indictment was voted by a grand jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida and I invite everyone to read it in full to understand the scope and the gravity of the crimes charged."
Smith further stated that his office is seeking a "speedy trial" on the matter, in order to ensure that Trump's rights as the accused are not violated. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who Trump appointed to the position in 2020. A trial date has not been set, but Trump is scheduled to appear before Cannon on Tuesday.
Aside from the present criminal charges, Trump is currently facing a trial in the New York state courts by the Manhattan district attorney for allegedly falsifying business records.
Smith further explained that laws protecting the national defense of the United States necessarily must be enforced, as a reflection of the American commitment to the rule of law.
"Adherence to the rule of law is a bedrock principle of the Department of Justice and our nation's commitment to the rule of law sets an example for the world," he said.
The present case is sure to have huge implications for Trump's reelection bid in 2020, especially with the added weight of the charge sheet. Smith concluded his remarks by reminding everyone that the accused, including Trump's aide Walt Nauta, must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WATCH: Complete statement from Special Counsel Jack Smith: "Today an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with felony violations of our national security laws as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice." pic.twitter.com/llUlrvpVe4
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 9, 2023