Trump lawyers have clashed with special counsel Jack Smith yet again. This time, it’s about a perceived violation of the judge’s order concerning the election interference case.
Trump’s lawyers are fighting off what they believe is the federal prosecutor’s desperation to “advance” the case.
The ex-president’s lawyers had enjoyed a temporary relief when U.S District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered a pause in proceedings on Wednesday, December 20. Judge Chutkan allowed the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on Trump’s “presidential immunity” claim.
Trump has been battling charges of conspiracy to overturn his election loss to President Joe Biden in 2020. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to this and three related charges.
President Trump had also filed an appeal in early December 2023 at the appeals court. He has asked the court to overturn Chutkan’s rejection of his claim that the constitution grants him immunity from his post-election actions.
Also Read: Those Behind the Capitol Riot May Get Away With It
That is, his post-election actions were covered by presidential immunity. Hence, he wasn’t liable for prosecution.
The judge had ruled that his presidential status at the time did not “confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”
This new lawsuit prompted Judge Chutkan to suspend proceedings on the matter. However, Trump’s lawyers are furious that special counsel Jack Smith has served them discovery material while the case is on hold.
As she ordered to halt the case, Judge Chutkan clearly explained its ramifications. The judge wrote that the halt “automatically stays any further proceedings that would move this case towards trial or impose additional burdens of litigation.”
President Trump’s team believes that Jack Smith’s action is a flagrant disregard for Judge Chutkan’s authority. They disclosed that the special counsel served them with “thousands of pages of additional discovery” and a “draft exhibit list.”
Poll – Should the U.S. Government Create a Path to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants?
“President Trump has an incontrovertible and inviolable right to be free from the burdens of this litigation during his appeal,” his lawyers wrote. “Such maneuvers are exactly what the Stay Order forbids,” they argued.
On their part, the prosecutor’s office had written to Judge Chutkan about their plan to send an exhibit list to the defense. They believe their actions are in order and in compliance with a deadline the Judge had set.
Jack Smith’s office also hoped the trial would resume once the judge lifted the suspension. The special counsel, eager to fast-track the case, has met with stiff opposition from Trump’s attorneys.
Jack Smith hopes to conclude the case in time to stop Trump from running for president. On the other hand, Trump’s team is working to delay the case for fear that it may impede President Trump’s participation.
Also Read: Jack Smith Goes All-In to Disprove Trump’s Election Claims
Jack Smith had approached the Supreme Court to take over the case in a bid to fast-track the case. He described the need to hasten the case as a matter of “imperative public importance.”
Jack Smith has also urged the Washington, DC federal court to “proceed as promptly as possible if [Trump’s] claim of immunity is rejected.”
You Might Also Like This
Biden Accuser Tara Reade Files Complaint Against FBI for Targeting Americans
Court Sentences Ex-Proud Boy for Being the “Eyes and Ears” During Jan. 6 Riot
Federal Judge Orders Rep. Scott Perry to Turn in Cellphone Records Amid Jan. 6 Probe
Heavy Flooding Leaves Thousands Without Power Across Northeast
Texas Law Allowing the Arrest of Illegal Migrants to Spark Multiple Lawsuits