Trump is a 'clear and present danger': Ex-FBI official highlights harm in delaying trial

A prominent law enforcement expert on Friday said the indefinite postponement of Donald Trump’s trial on charges the former mishandled sensitive classified documents after leaving the White House would imperil national security.

Former FBI deputy director for counter-intelligence Frank Figliuzzi said during on an appearance on MSNBC’s “Deadline White House with Nicolle Wallace” that the motion Trump’s legal team filed earlier this week reflects "desperation."

“The longer this gets delayed, the longer the public is denied the information we need to know to make a more informed decision about an election, the more dangerous this becomes, and Trump is a continuing clear and present danger to national security,” Figliuzzi said.

Figliuzzi suggested it would be irresponsible for Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the case, to grant the former president’s request to delay the trial.

“If the judge decides this can go on indefinitely, she's essentially saying we can live under this threat indefinitely and that needs to stop,” Figliuzzi said.

Figliuzzi said concerns over prosecuting an active presidential candidate aren’t without merit, but quickly shut down the idea that such considerations warrant an indefinite postponement.

“He is a private citizen, and so any interest in allowing somebody unfettered to run for president without being touched by criminal acts and prosecutions is grossly outweighed by the public interest in vetting and knowing and preventing a threat from taking office again.” Figliuzzi said.

“It's a no-brainer, but we'll see if Judge Cannon can grasp it.”

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