U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has established a new pre-trial schedule for the federal election interference case against former President Donald Trump, potentially allowing the release of new evidence weeks before the November 2024 election. This decision comes after a nearly year-long delay due to debates over presidential immunity.According to the schedule, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team is required to file an opening brief on the presidential immunity issue by September 26. This brief could include new evidence about Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, including potentially explosive transcripts related to Trump’s pressure campaign on then-Vice President Mike Pence.Trump’s legal team, led by attorney John Lauro, objected to this timeline, arguing it was ‘inherently unfair’ and requesting delays until after the 2024 election. However, Judge Chutkan firmly rejected these arguments, stating, ‘The electoral process… is not relevant here. This court is not concerned with the electoral schedule’.The case, which includes four federal felony charges against Trump for allegedly conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results, is unlikely to go to trial before the November 2024 election. The schedule includes deadlines for various filings through early November, with Trump’s team required to file a renewed motion to dismiss by October 17.This development follows a July Supreme Court ruling that former presidents are entitled to some immunity for official acts. As a result, Judge Chutkan will need to determine which of Trump’s alleged actions were official presidential duties and which were not.The case continues to be highly contentious, with Trump maintaining his innocence through his lawyers. As the legal proceedings unfold, they are likely to have significant implications for both the judicial process and the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Key points
- Judge Tanya Chutkan has set a new schedule for Trump’s election interference case, potentially allowing new evidence to be released before the 2024 election.
- Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team must file an opening brief on presidential immunity by September 26, which could include new evidence.
- Trump’s lawyers objected to the timeline, but Judge Chutkan emphasized that the electoral process is not relevant to the case.
- The case is unlikely to go to trial before the November 2024 election.
Contradictions👾While Judge Chutkan stated that the electoral process is not relevant to the case, Trump’s lawyers argued that the timing of the election was ‘sensitive’ and should be considered.
