Judge Pauses Deadlines in Trump Election Case Amid Presidential Transition
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a recent development, the legal proceedings concerning former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the 2020 election interference have come to a temporary halt. This follows a decision by the judge to cancel all pending court deadlines while federal prosecutors deliberate on their next steps in response to Trump’s presidential election win.
Last year, Special Counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and with the illegal retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. However, these cases are under review due to a longstanding Justice Department policy that prevents the prosecution of sitting presidents. An insider revealed this information to The Associated Press.
Trump’s triumph against Vice President Kamala Harris has significant implications for the Justice Department’s stance, as legal opinions within the department protect a sitting president from criminal prosecution.
The former president has dismissed these legal actions as politically driven and has expressed his intent to dismiss Smith “within two seconds” of assuming office.
In a recent court submission, Smith’s legal team requested the suspension of upcoming court deadlines, citing a need to “assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.” U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan approved this request, mandating that prosecutors present their future plans for the case by December 2.
Trump was initially set to stand trial in March in Washington, with a backdrop of over 1,000 supporters facing charges related to the Capitol riot. However, proceedings were paused as Trump pursued claims of immunity, a matter that was ultimately addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court. In July, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents possess broad immunity from prosecution, sending the case back to Judge Chutkan to determine which allegations should proceed.
Additionally, the case concerning classified documents has faced delays since July when Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, dismissed it on the grounds of Smith’s alleged improper appointment. Smith has since appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where the revival of the case is under consideration. Despite aiming to withdraw the documents case, Smith is likely to continue contesting Cannon’s ruling to prevent setting a legal precedent.
