Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump’s federal election interference case has hit a roadblock and his campaign is celebrating this as a major victory. Trump contends that his actions in challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election were within the scope of his duties as president and therefore protected by presidential immunity. He argues that the charges against him should be dismissed.
However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan strongly disagrees. In a scorching ruling on December 1, she stated that Trump’s four-year tenure as Commander in Chief does not grant him the right to evade criminal accountability. She emphasizes that he should be subject to the same criminal laws as any other citizen. Trump has appealed the ruling, initiating a series of appeals that could potentially lead to the case being taken to the Supreme Court.
Too soon for me to celebrate, personally but, this does wrinkle the right foreheads…
Trump Campaign Celebrates 'Big Win' After Judge Halts Jack Smith's Prosecution
READ: https://t.co/zENf1MNgzj pic.twitter.com/Bez6kjFLXo
— JaneDoeCitizen (@JaneDoeCitizen) December 15, 2023
Judge Chutkan has acknowledged that the case may not proceed to trial if Trump is successful in his appeal. She has issued an order that stays any further proceedings until the appeals process is complete. However, she cautions that the delay in the trial date, which is currently set for March 4, 2022, will depend on how long it takes for the court system to handle Trump’s appeal. The restrictions imposed on Trump, including a gag order, remain in effect.
Trump’s campaign sees this ruling as a setback for special prosecutor Jack Smith, who they believe is trying to ensure Biden’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. They argue that Smith waited nearly three years to bring the allegations against Trump and is now rushing the case because they believe Trump is gaining popularity among voters. Trump’s campaign representative, Steven Cheung, asserts that the American people, not the courts, should decide the next president.
In response to Smith’s request for expedited Supreme Court hearings on the immunity issue, the Supreme Court has asked Trump’s legal team to respond. The court will not reconvene to consider the matter until January 5. In his own remarks on Truth Social, Trump criticizes Smith’s tactics, accusing him of interfering in the 2024 election and attempting to damage Biden’s political opponent. He suggests that Smith’s actions are a form of cheating and election interference.
It’s important to note that Trump is facing four felony charges related to his challenges to the 2020 election and the Capitol incursion on January 6, 2021. The outcome of his case will have significant implications for his political future and the 2024 presidential election. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing legal battle.
