Column: Trump says he's a victim of politically driven prosecutors. Most voters aren’t buying it

After months of legal wrangling, a schedule for former President Trump’s four pending criminal trials is finally taking shape.
Last week, federal district Judge Tanya Chutkan set March 4 as the date to begin Trump’s trial in Washington on charges that he conspired to overturn the 2020 election. That’s one day before Super Tuesday, when Republican voters in 15 states including California will cast ballots in primary elections.

Trump and his supporters erupted, claiming that the start date proved that the case is politically motivated.

“A biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me … just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY!” Trump roared on his social media account. “I will APPEAL!”

“Chutkan should be thrown off the bench,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, in a social media post.

“Their attempts to interfere with the 2024 election are so brazen it’s disgusting,” Donalds said.

Their outrage was artificial.

In last week’s hearing, Chutkan asked Trump’s attorney to propose a date his client would prefer.