In a scathing critique on social media, Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC anchor, voiced his frustration with President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland for delays in the federal criminal trial of former President Donald Trump until after the presidential election in 2024.

Hasan argues that this delay -- which he says is unforgivable -- demonstrates incompetence and compromises public trust in an impartial Department of Justice, as Fox News reports.

Trial Date Falls After Presidential Election

The trial in question relates to charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol unrest and allegations that Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election results. These charges were brought against Trump following an investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith.

In August 2023, Trump faced a four-charge federal indictment, marking a significant point in the long-running investigations into his actions before and after Jan. 6. The specific charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan scheduled the trial to start after Election Day, with pre-trial preparations continuing into November, but after the election date.

Implications of the Delayed Trial for Trump

This scheduling decision has sparked controversy, especially among Democrats who hoped for an earlier trial date, potentially affecting Trump’s prospects as he campaigns for a return to the White House. The delay means that Trump will stand trial only after voters have made their decisions at the polls.

The charges leveled at Trump are serious, including allegations of orchestrating fake electors and pressuring former Vice President Mike Pence to dismiss electoral votes, manipulating the final certification of the 2020 election.

Hasan’s criticism centers on the belief that the Democratic Party's leadership failure in expediting the trial allowed Trump to face the electorate without having been held accountable in a courtroom for these allegations.

Trump’s Legal Troubles Continue to Mount

Beyond the Jan. 6 charges, Trump is entangled in additional legal battles. He is a defendant in another federal case concerning classified documents the dismissal of which is currently under appeal, and he also faces state-level charges in Georgia. These legal proceedings compound his 2023 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records in Manhattan, for which he has yet to be sentenced.

Despite the growing number of cases against him, Trump persists in his public defense, consistently denouncing the investigations as a “Witch Hunt.” He has maintained his plea of not guilty across all charges.

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision on presidential immunity necessitated a reframing of Smith’s Jan. 6 indictment, introducing allegations that Trump exerted undue influence on legislative processes to support unfounded claims of election fraud.

Hasan Questions Department of Justice's Neutrality

Hasan articulated his disillusionment with the Biden administration on the social media platform X. He rebuked Biden and Garland for what he perceives as a misstep that left Trump's legal accountability unresolved before the critical election period.

“No matter who wins or loses on Tuesday, I will never not stop being mad at Joe Biden and Merrick Garland for allowing Trump to face the electorate this week without having seen the inside of a courtroom,” Hasan argued.

Hasan’s denunciation questioned whether the efforts to maintain a nonpartisan Department of Justice have been undermined, pointing out that despite the trial’s delay, accusations of a "witch hunt" persist against the administration.

Republican Lawmakers' Perspective

In the wake of these developments, Republican members of Congress have pledged to scrutinize the actions of the Justice Department, focusing on what they describe as the “weaponization” of the justice system against Trump.

These political dynamics underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between legal accountability and perceived political intervention. The delay in Trump’s trial prompts questions about the timing's impact on democratic processes and public perception.

Hasan’s comments and the broader discussions they fuel highlight the complexities facing the Biden administration as it navigates political and legal challenges simultaneously.

Ongoing Debate Over Justice and Partisanship

The furor stirred by Hasan’s remarks reflects deeper tensions over the role of the justice system in political affairs. Many observers ponder how these trials might influence public opinion and elections.

By allowing the trial to unfold after the elections, the Biden administration’s move intended to sustain views of impartial justice might instead inflame partisan accusations. The intricate decisions by those in power are critical, as they balance legal imperatives with broader democratic values.

As Trump prepares to encounter the electorate once more, the shadow of these legal proceedings continues to loom large, reinforcing its importance in shaping the political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.