Jack Smith Rips Into Donald Trump's Scheduling Clash

Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith has strongly objected to Donald Trump lawyers' claim that they cannot file documents in his classified documents case in Florida because it clashes with the upcoming Stormy Daniels hush-money trial in New York.

Trump sought a 10-day delay in filing documents in Florida because he and his lawyers have to prepare for the Daniels case, which begins on March 25.

In her ruling on March 11, Judge Aileen Cannon, granted Trump's request for an extension. He can now file his documents on or before March 24, instead of March 14.

In his submission to the court, Trump's lawyer, Chris Kise, wrote that he needed a delay because Trump and his legal team have to travel to Fort Pierce, Florida, for a hearing on the classified documents case on March 14 and need time to prepare for it.

In addition, "President Trump and counsel are currently preparing for a trial in New York, New York, that is scheduled to begin on March 25, 2024, and the need to simultaneously devote attention to that case," Kise wrote.

The former president is facing 40 federal charges over his handling of sensitive materials retrieved from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after leaving the White House in January 2021. He is accused of obstructing efforts by federal authorities to return them. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Smith wrote in a court submission on Monday that Trump has known the date of the Stormy Daniels trial since 2022 and is only using it as a last-minute delaying tactic. The submission was filed by attorneys Jay Bratt and David Harbach on Smith's behalf.

"Only now, on the eve of the reply deadline, does the defense complain that it needs more time—mostly based on circumstances about which they have been aware throughout the pendency of their motions: the trial date in New York has been in place since 2022," their submission states.

It also notes that "Trump has also sought to adjourn the New York trial," as well as the classified documents case.

Smith previously alleged to Cannon that Trump is trying to delay the classified documents case until after the presidential election, when, if elected to the White House, he may be able to have the case dropped.

Kise wrote in his submission that the clash between the classified documents case in Florida and the Stormy Daniels case in New York has been caused, in part, "by the discovery violations and strategic scheduling demands of the Special Counsel's Office that have prejudiced President Trump in multiple respects."

Trump faces 34 charges over allegations he instructed attorney Michael Cohen to pay adult film star Daniels $130,000 to keep an alleged affair between her and the former president a secret ahead of the 2016 election.

Trump is accused of listing the payment to Cohen as "legal fees." He has also pleaded not guilty in that case.

Newsweek sought comment from Trump's attorney and Smith's office via email on Tuesday.