Donald Trump’s attorneys have asked to delay the trial in the case against Trump University until after the inauguration, citing the “critical and all-consuming” work the president-elect has to do before he takes office in January.
"Now that the election is over, we submit that the President-elect should not be required to stand trial during the next two months while he prepares to assume the Presidency. The time and attention to prepare and testify will take him away from imperative transition work at a critical time," Trump’s attorneys write in court documents filed this weekend.
His attorneys emphasized the "momentous, exceedingly complex" task ahead of Trump as he prepares to take over the White House.
Related: Trump University Staffers Describe 'Fraudulent Scheme' In New Court Documents
“The 69 days until inauguration are critical and all-consuming. President-Elect Trump must receive daily security briefings, make executive appointments (ultimately, thousands), and establish relationships with appointees, members of Congress, governors, and foreign leaders. He must also develop important policy priorities,” they wrote.
The trial in the civil suit brought against Trump’s for-profit real-estate university, which students involved in another lawsuit described as a "fraudulent scheme," was originally scheduled for Nov. 28. If the judge approves the motion, the earliest the trial could take place is late January.
Trump’s attorneys also proposed allowing the president-elect to record a videotaped testimony prior to the trial date, arguing that would "ensure no additional delay of trial based on future scheduling unpredictability."
They suggest that videotaped could be used in another related case, to "allow President-elect Trump to focus on transitioning to office."
