US Attorney General Merrick Garland said he agrees with Special Counsel Jack Smith’s request for a speedy trial in Donald Trump’s federal election interference case – citing an increased public interest ahead of the 2024 election.

In an interview with CNN this week, Mr Garland provided few, but firm, comments on the special counsel’s investigation and upcoming trial against Mr Trump related to the former president’s alleged involvement in conspiring and working to overturn the 2020 election results.

“The special prosecutor has said from the beginning that he thinks public interest requires a speedy trial, which I agree with,” Mr Garland said.

While facing criminal and civil trials, Mr Trump is also the 2024 Republican frontrunner.

He and his campaign have used the cases against him as leverage to appeal to potential voters by painting Mr Trump as innocent, unfairly targeted and a martyr.