Trump's 'advice of counsel' defense under scrutiny as judge demands clarity

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered Donald Trump to declare by January 15, 2024, whether he intends to use an "advice of counsel" defense in his criminal trial. Prosecutors had expressed concerns that Trump was waiting until the last minute to declare his strategy, potentially disrupting the proceedings. By invoking this defense, Trump would waive attorney-client privilege and the government would be entitled to additional discovery. The timing of Trump's defense strategy has already been discussed in the press, prompting prosecutors to begin producing discovery. Trump faces four criminal charges related to the January 6th Capitol attack and has pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled for March 4, 2024.