Judge Chutkan Denies Proposed 2026 Trial Date in Case Against Trump, Questions Complexity of Case

August 28, 2023 – U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is currently presiding over a high-profile hearing involving former President Donald Trump’s defense attorney, John Lauro, and the U.S. government. The hearing aims to determine a trial date for the case against Trump, which consists of one defendant and four counts.

During the hearing, Judge Chutkan was clear in rejecting the defense’s proposed trial date of 2026, as well as the alternative date of January 2, 2024. She posed a critical question to the defense: “Why is this case complex, other than the historic aspect of it?”

In response, Lauro indicated that the defense would be presenting “a very, very unique and extensive motion that deals with executive immunity.” He added that they will also file motions on “selective prosecution” and “presidential immunity.”

Despite the prosecution’s urging for Judge Chutkan to set a trial date today, the judge has yet to make that determination.