WASHINGTON: Former US president Donald Trump appeared before a federal court on Monday in Florida for a closed-door session in his classified documents case.
The lawyers during the event discussed that who will have access to the top-secret evidence.
Trump, 77, pleaded not guilty in the case. He was charged in June of unlawfully keeping national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements.
Judge, Aileen Cannon, summoned lawyers from both parties for Monday’s proceedings.
The former -president and his lawyers arrived at the courthouse around 9:00 am (1400 GMT), about 200 kilometers north of Miami, where a group of supporters holding posters welcomed him.
Trump’s lawyers seek to have access to the classified evidence, which is currently with the prosecutor, however, the government’s attorneys oppose the move on grounds that the information is too sensitive.
Judge Cannon in a court document observed that Trump’s lawyers should be prepared to discuss their defense theories in the case, and how any classified document is relevant or helpful to the defense.
Trump is scheduled to go on trial starting from May 20. Trump’s property manager Carlos de Oliveira and his personal assistant Waltine Nauta are also charged in the case.
