A clash between special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Aileen Cannon threatens to further delay the trial of former President Donald Trump in Florida on charges related to unlawfully possessing classified documents, according to the Washington Post.

The dispute revolves around the question of whether Trump is immune from prosecution under a federal law dealing with presidential records. Cannon, who Trump appointed to the federal bench in 2020, has been criticized for decisions that have slowed down the progress of the case.

In a recent filing, Smith strongly disagreed with Cannon's potential ruling, signaling his intention to appeal to a higher court if necessary. This confrontation between the judge and the prosecutor could potentially push the start of the trial past the November presidential election.

Smith's office, in a near-midnight legal filing, challenged Cannon's interpretation of the Presidential Records Act and laws concerning classified documents. Experienced national security lawyers and former judges have criticized Cannon's stance, arguing that it misinterprets the laws.

If the judge's ruling legitimizes the defense's argument based on the Presidential Records Act, it could significantly weaken the prosecution's case. This has raised concerns that a government appeal of such a ruling, if necessary, could further delay the trial, potentially extending it beyond the upcoming presidential election.

Last month, Judge Cannon ordered defense lawyers and prosecutors to submit hypothetical jury instructions based on different interpretations of the Presidential Records Act. In response, Smith argued that Cannon's legal premise was fundamentally flawed, insisting that the act should not play any role in the trial.

Meanwhile, in the realm of election politics, a Wall Street Journal survey shows President Joe Biden trailing his Republican challenger, Donald Trump, in six out of seven states crucial to deciding the election. This follows previous surveys that have consistently shown Biden struggling against the candidate he defeated in 2020.

On the fundraising front, Trump and the Republican Party reported raising over $65.6 million in March, closing the month with $93.1 million in their campaign accounts. Biden and the Democratic National Committee have yet to release their fundraising numbers for March, but they announced raising $53 million in February, with $155 million cash on hand.

In a press release, Biden-Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez highlighted their campaign's early investments in connecting directly with voters on critical issues and building the necessary infrastructure to secure victory.

The clash between Smith and Cannon adds another layer of complexity to Trump's ongoing legal battle. As both sides continue to wage legal warfare, the trial's start date remains uncertain, raising the possibility of further delays and the potential impact on the upcoming presidential election.