On December 1, Judge Tanya Chutkan made a significant ruling in the federal election interference case against former President Donald Trump. Chutkan denied Trump’s Motion to Dismiss, ruling that his claim of presidential immunity did not protect him from prosecution in the case. As a result, the case was set for trial in March of 2024.
Trump responded by filing a Notice of Appeal on December 7, seeking a review of Chutkan’s ruling from the D.C. Circuit. However, on December 13, Special Counsel Jack Smith intervened and asked for the case to be fast-tracked to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agreed to consider expediting the case and asked for Trump’s team to file a response by December 20.
In response to this development, Judge Chutkan issued a temporary stay on Wednesday, December 15, putting a pause on the proceedings in the federal election case. In her order, Chutkan highlighted the recent decision by the D.C. Circuit that rejected the idea of presidential immunity, stating that such immunity would essentially allow a former president to avoid trial altogether.
This stay halts all further proceedings in the federal election case, including the deadlines and trials that were set in the Pretrial Order. However, Chutkan retains jurisdiction over some of the procedural issues and rulings she has already made, such as the gag order and conditions of release for the former president.
While the case is temporarily on hold, the Supreme Court has also agreed to hear an appeal from a defendant in the January 6th Capitol riot case. This appeal involves the scope of the statute under which the obstruction charge was brought, which could potentially impact Trump’s federal election case since two of the charges against him are based on that same statute.
In summary, the federal election case against Trump is currently on hold as several issues are sorted out by the appellate courts. The March 2024 trial date remains, but that could change depending on the outcome and timing of the Supreme Court’s decision.
This flurry of activity surrounding Trump’s legal cases highlights the ongoing battles he is facing post-presidency. With the Supreme Court now involved, a major ruling could have far-reaching consequences for not only this case but also for the potential criminal investigations and lawsuits he may face in the future.
Both the government and Trump’s legal team will be meticulously preparing their arguments and responses to present to the high court by December 20. Until then, the status of the federal election case remains uncertain, and all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s decision.