Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump have requested a delay in his criminal trial regarding charges related to retaining classified documents. The defense team argued that scheduling the trial before the November presidential election would be unfair to their client.

During a hearing in a Florida federal court, Trump's legal team deemed the proposed start date of July 8, suggested by prosecutors, as "completely unworkable" and "an impossibility" for the former president. Trump, who is currently leading the race for the Republican presidential nomination, was in attendance at the Fort Pierce court.

The defense lawyers pointed out that Trump is already facing a separate trial in a New York state court, scheduled to begin on March 25. This trial involves charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting Trump, countered the defense's argument by stating that the former president had been aware of the hush money trial date for several months. Smith questioned why Trump was only now requesting a lengthy delay in the Florida case.

The charges against Trump in the Florida case stem from allegations that he retained classified documents after leaving the White House in January 2021. Additionally, he is accused of obstructing efforts made by government officials to recover those records, which were reportedly stored at his Mar-a-Lago private club in Palm Beach. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As this is a developing news story, updates will be provided as they become available.