Trump’s DC Election Interference Trial Delayed by Federal Judge

The trial of former President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, regarding the federal election subversion case has been delayed due to ongoing legal debates concerning presidential immunity. The trial was initially scheduled for March 4, but has been put on hold while a federal appeals court deliberates Trump’s claim that his presidential role grants him immunity from prosecution, specifically relating to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. A decision from the appeals court is still pending.

US District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued an order on Friday indicating that the March trial date was no longer viable. This development aligns with Trump’s legal strategy, which aims to postpone the trial until after the 2024 presidential election. However, it remains uncertain if the trial will be deferred until after the November vote.

Trump’s legal team plans to continue seeking further delays. Judge Chutkan has not yet set a new trial date, which is a focal point for Trump’s team. The lack of a ruling from the DC Circuit on presidential immunity, which was heard nearly a month ago, has led to expectations of a delay. The DC Circuit’s decision is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Judge Chutkan also canceled the requirement for prospective jurors to complete a written questionnaire next week. She stated that a new schedule would be established depending on the future court mandate.

Trump faces four charges in the election subversion case, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

This federal case was set to be the first of Trump’s criminal indictments to go to trial. Additionally, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is preparing to take Trump to trial in late March over allegations of falsifying business records related to payments to Stormy Daniels. Trump’s team and legal experts consider the hush money case weaker than others, and they believe it could bolster their argument that the trials are politically motivated.

The Mar-a-Lago documents case, focusing on classified evidence, is scheduled for trial in late May but might be delayed. Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump in south Florida, has suggested that the trial schedule might be revisited during a March 1 hearing.

The trial date for Trump’s 2020 election conspiracy case in Georgia has not been set by the state-level judge.