Trump's trial over classified documents in Florida could start as soon as this summer

Former President Trump's trial on charges of withholding classified documents could start as soon as July. In Fort Pierce, Fla., U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon heard arguments Friday about when the trial will begin. Prosecutors want it to begin in July. Trump's lawyers want to postpone it until next year, after the presidential election.

Trump is accused of conspiring with an aide and the property manager of his Mar-a-Lago residence and club to hide classified and top-secret documents from federal investigators. All have pleaded not guilty to some 40 felony counts.

Under the original schedule, the trial was supposed to start in May. But the case has moved much more slowly than even U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon seems to have anticipated. Much of that has to do with Trump's defense. The former president's lawyers have sought access to reams of classified material, leading to extensive motions filed under seal and a closed two-day hearing.

More recently, Trump's lawyers filed at least a dozen motions asking Cannon to dismiss the case. In court Friday, they argued that government case is politically motivated. They want the judge to hold a hearing to force the government to produce evidence of what they say is a "selective and vindictive" prosecution. Prosecutors say no such evidence exists and that it would be unprecedented to grant a hearing in the matter.

Cannon gave no indication when she might decide on a trial schedule. If the trial begins over the summer, as prosecutors want, it could possibly be completed before the November presidential election. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche told the judge he thinks a trial would take four to five weeks, not including jury selection.

Although Trump has asked for an August