Defendant standing trial for alleged Trump assassination plot makes self-representation during final pre-trial proceeding

Ryan Routh, the man charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, appeared in court on Tuesday for a pre-trial conference. The hearing, which is expected to last three to four weeks, took a contentious turn as Routh presented a list of new witnesses without approval, including a former romantic partner, Harvard professors, and the President himself.

Routh, who represents himself in court, rarely used legal reasoning during the hearing, opting for a more conversational style with Judge Aileen Cannon. However, his unconventional approach did not go unchallenged. The judge denied the addition of the new witnesses, calling the request "clearly absurd."

The trial, scheduled to begin with jury selection next Monday, September 8, will feature opening statements on Thursday, September 11. In the lead-up to the trial, Routh has filed two separate motions. One motion seeks to suppress new evidence presented by the prosecution, while the other aims to introduce letters he wrote into evidence.

Prosecutors argue that the letters are "nothing more than hearsay." In response, Routh stated that he did not promote the situation after being informed about the unapproved slogans on his trial attire, an issue that has previously been banned by Judge Cannon.

Despite the concerns over Routh's trial attire, the judge reiterated her previous instructions that Routh's clothes must be slogan-free. Two public defenders were required to remain as standby counsel for Routh throughout the trial.

Notably, the Harvard professors proposed by Routh as witnesses for his trial were not specified in detail. However, Judge Cannon rejected their inclusion.

As the trial approaches, all parties involved are preparing for a potentially lengthy and complex legal battle. The stakes are high, and the outcome could have significant implications for the case against Routh.

Defendant standing trial for alleged Trump assassination plot makes self-representation during final pre-trial proceeding