Clash over trial start date and venue in Trump's federal election interference case

Special counsel Jack Smith and former President Donald Trump's attorneys are set to argue in court over the start date for Trump's federal election interference trial. Smith is pushing for a trial by January 2, citing the public's interest in a speedy trial, while Trump's lawyers have requested a trial date in April 2026, citing the extensive amount of discovery materials provided by the government. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The judge has cautioned Trump about making inflammatory statements that could taint the jury pool or intimidate potential witnesses.