Former President Donald Trump is urging a Florida judge to dismiss the criminal case against him for illegally retaining classified documents. Trump's defense team argues that presidential immunity shields him from prosecution, despite facing a series of rejections in federal appeals courts in a separate case related to the 2020 election interference. The charges stem from allegations that Trump designated sensitive papers as "personal" records under the Presidential Records Act during his time in office, a move his lawyers claim falls under his official duties.

In response to special counsel Jack Smith's case, Trump's legal team is challenging the basis of the charges, contending that the appointment of Smith by Attorney General Merrick Garland was "unlawful." The indictment accuses Trump of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. Prosecutors argue that Trump's actions endangered national security and obstructed the federal investigation.

The trial is currently set for May, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon showing willingness to revisit the date during an upcoming pretrial conference in March. Trump is facing four criminal cases as he eyes a return to the White House in November. Another case brought by Smith, alleging Trump's involvement in overturning the 2020 election, had its trial date postponed as Trump asserts claims of presidential immunity, a stance he hopes the U.S. Supreme Court will uphold.

The high court's decision on whether to extend immunity protections to criminal prosecution could impact the timing of the election case trial. If Trump were to win the presidency again, the outcome of these legal battles could have significant political implications. Trump may attempt to influence the cases through executive authority or even explore the possibility of self-pardon, a controversial move with uncertain legal standing.