Former President Donald Trump has requested a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland, leading to speculation that an indictment may be imminent following a criminal investigation into his handling of classified documents. In a letter published on Truth Social, Trump’s lawyer argued that he was being “wrongfully treated” by Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the investigation. The letter was sent the same day that Trump made a virtual appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court for his second trial in a criminal case. Judge Juan Marchan set the trial date for March 25, 2024, which falls in the middle of the Republican primary.
Meanwhile, Trump has criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his 2024 candidacy during a Twitter live event with Elon Musk. Trump called DeSantis “dishonest” and claimed that he couldn’t win the general election due to his voting record. Trump’s circle also mocked DeSantis’ campaign launch on Twitter, while a Make America Great Again PAC spokeswoman called it “outrageous.” DeSantis has subtly criticized Trump in his speeches, pledging to “protect faith and family.”
In other news, Trump claimed that his First Amendment rights of free speech were violated during a New York County Supreme Court hearing, where a trial date was set for March 25, 2024. Fox News host Laura Ingraham also reported on polls suggesting that a Republican rival may be better suited to take back the White House in 2024, earning her criticism from Trump’s supporters.