Federal Judge Grants Request to Pause Trump’s Case
A federal judge has granted a request by special counsel Jack Smith to pause the case against Donald Trump for conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The decision comes after Trump won the White House race this week and is set to be inaugurated as president on January 20, 2025.
Background
Trump is accused of conspiracy to defraud the US and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding – the session of Congress called to certify Joe Biden’s win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021, by a mob of the former president’s supporters. He is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election.
Justice Department Policy
The justice department has a long-standing policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. Smith asked Judge Tanya Chutkan to vacate the filing deadlines in the case "to afford the government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with department of justice policy." Chutkan granted Smith’s request without comment.
Status Report
Smith said he would file a status report with the court by December 2. Trump faces two state cases: in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter.
Georgia Case
In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office under the policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.
Conclusion
The decision to pause Trump’s case is a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the former president. As Trump prepares to take office, it remains to be seen how his legal troubles will be addressed in the coming months and years.
FAQs
- What is the charge against Donald Trump?
- Trump is accused of conspiracy to defraud the US and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.
- Why was the case paused?
- The case was paused due to Trump’s win in the White House race and the justice department’s policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.
- What are the potential consequences for Trump?
- Trump faces up to four years in prison on each count, but as a first-time offender, he is likely to receive a fine and probation.
- What other legal cases does Trump face?
- Trump faces two state cases: in New York and Georgia.