A federal judge in Washington formally postponed Donald Trump’s March trial on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election as a key legal appeal from the former president continues to work its way through the courts. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday vacated the March 4 trial date in the case brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith but did not immediately set a new date. The move creates an opening for a separate case in New York, charging Trump in connection with hush money payments to a porn actor, to proceed first.
Quick Read
- Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington postponed Donald Trump’s March trial regarding the 2020 election plot, pending a significant legal appeal.
- No new trial date set, allowing a New York case over hush money payments to possibly proceed first.
- Postponement linked to an unresolved appeal by Trump claiming immunity for actions taken while in office.
- The outcome of the federal appeals court’s decision on Trump’s immunity appeal remains uncertain, with potential further delays if the Trump team appeals a decision unfavorable to them.
- The delays are strategic for Trump, aiming to defer his criminal cases as he leads in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race.
- Special counsel Jack Smith’s team is eager to proceed with the trial before the November election.
- The Washington case’s delay is extended by Trump’s immunity appeal, with the appeals court yet to decide after hearing arguments on January 9.
The Associated Press has the story:
DC Judge delays Trump’s March trial on 2020 election charges
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
A federal judge in Washington formally postponed Donald Trump’s March trial on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election as a key legal appeal from the former president continues to work its way through the courts.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday vacated the March 4 trial date in the case brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith but did not immediately set a new date. The move creates an opening for a separate case in New York, charging Trump in connection with hush money payments to a porn actor, to proceed first.
The postponement comes as a federal appeals court has yet to resolve a pending appeal from Trump arguing that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took in the White House. It is not clear when the three-judge panel might rule, but a ruling in favor of prosecutors that permits the case to move forward is expected to be appealed by the Trump team, likely resulting in additional delays.
For both sides, timing is of the essence. Trump, who faces four indictments and 91 felony counts, is looking to push his criminal cases back as he enjoys front-runner status in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Smith’s team, meanwhile, is hoping to be able to prosecute Trump this year before the November election.
The Washington case had been expected to take place first, but it has been delayed for weeks by Trump’s appeal on immunity grounds. The appeals court heard arguments on Jan. 9, and though it had said it intended to work quickly, has not yet issued a ruling.
