Trump Manhattan Case Delayed as 73,000 Pages of Records Provided to Prosecutors
ICARO Media Group
In a significant development, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has announced a 30-day delay in the Trump Manhattan case due to the recent delivery of approximately 73,000 pages of records by federal prosecutors. The documents were provided in response to a subpoena filed by former President Donald Trump in January.
The delay sheds light on the challenges and delays faced when filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the federal government. The FOIA request was initially filed by an individual seeking information on former Trump associate Michael Cohen and the investigation that led to his prosecution. However, despite years of pursuit with the assistance of an experienced FOIA attorney, the requested information remained elusive.
The FOIA Act aims to promote transparency in the government, but its implementation often falls short, leading to a backlog of information that taxpayers are unable to access. Both the individual and the FOIA attorney have attested to the extensive delays and excuses provided during the process.
The sheer volume of the document dump, consisting of 73,000 pages, poses a significant challenge for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his team. They are tasked with reviewing, digesting, condensing, and determining the relevance of these documents within a short timeframe. It translates to processing approximately 2,433 pages per day, an arduous task for anyone involved.
While state prosecutors acknowledged that the majority of the documents appeared "largely irrelevant," they did highlight the presence of 172 pages containing witness statements that will be reviewed by Trump's legal team before the trial commences.
Interestingly, the individual who initially filed the FOIA request for information relating to Michael Cohen's investigation also received some documents from the government. However, the quantity was significantly smaller, with only 32 pages reviewed, and 31 pages provided.
The contents of the received documents largely verify information that has already been disclosed to the public through media reports. They touch upon the initiation of the investigation into Cohen, particularly his involvement with Stormy Daniels, and reveal that evidence had been gathered pertaining to Cohen's actions related to the federal election campaign act.
One notable aspect highlighted in the released documents is the trust that Trump placed in Cohen, contrary to Trump's previous remarks about his former associate. The evidence supports Cohen's assertions that he acted in furtherance of Trump's wishes, demonstrating unwavering loyalty that ultimately had severe consequences for Cohen himself.
The delay in the Trump Manhattan case raises concerns about the right to a speedy trial, which is not limited to the defendant but extends to all citizens. The prolonged process, coupled with the massive document dump, raises questions about the government's transparency and potential abuse of rights.
The released information also sheds light on the involvement of the press in shielding Trump from public criticism, influencing the outcome of the presidential election. It underscores the need for media outlets to reflect on their coverage of Trump and the potential consequences of their actions.
As the 30-day delay unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Manhattan District Attorney's office will handle the extensive record review and ensure a fair and thorough trial in the case. The Trump Manhattan case continues to captivate public attention due to its high-profile nature and implications for both Trump and the broader legal landscape.