US Justice Department Moves to Shield Trump from Civil Suits over Capitol Riot
WASHINGTON: A Shift in Stance
The US justice department has made a surprising move to shield President Donald Trump from civil lawsuits by police and Democratic lawmakers seeking to hold him accountable for the violence that erupted during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.
According to court filings made late on Thursday, department lawyers told US District Judge Amit Mehta to replace Trump as a defendant in the litigation and have the US government take his place regarding certain claims, citing that he was “acting within the scope of his office or employment” before and during the riot.
A Failed Bid to Overturn Election Results
His supporters attacked the Capitol in a failed bid to prevent Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory over him, following Trump’s false claims of widespread voting fraud.
A Shift in the Justice Department’s Stance
The department’s move contradicts the position it took during Biden’s administration, when prosecutors argued in a criminal case against Trump that many of his actions surrounding the riot were unrelated to his official responsibilities. The department has now cited a federal law that mandates the US government is the defendant when federal employees are sued in their official role under state laws. This move applies only to allegations made under local laws in Washington.
Trump’s Denial of Allegations
Trump has denied the allegations made against him in the litigation and has asked the judge to deem him immune, citing that he was acting in his formal role as president. He has also moved to exert control over the justice department, with new senior officials demanding that government lawyers be faithful to his agenda.
Consolidation of Lawsuits
Police officers and Democratic lawmakers filed eight civil lawsuits against Trump, now consolidated and being handled by Mehta, seeking monetary damages in the aftermath of the attack, alleging that he directed and aided assaults on police. Trump gave an incendiary speech to supporters shortly before they descended on the Capitol.
Implications of the Justice Department’s Move
The justice department’s new stance has significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings. Lawyers for several of the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The plaintiffs have urged Mehta to reject Trump’s immunity claim, and the judge has not yet ruled. A federal appeals court previously rejected Trump’s immunity claim in the lawsuits, but allowed him to renew his argument if he brought forward evidence that he was acting in his role as president rather than as a political candidate.
Conclusion
The US justice department’s move to shield Trump from civil suits over the Capitol riot has sparked controversy, with many questioning the motivations behind this sudden shift. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the judge will rule on Trump’s immunity claim and what implications this will have on the ongoing investigation into the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the justice department’s move to shield Trump from civil suits?
The department is citing a federal law that mandates the US government is the defendant when federal employees are sued in their official role under state laws.
* What are the allegations made against Trump in the litigation?
Police officers and Democratic lawmakers are alleging that Trump directed and aided assaults on police during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
* Has Trump denied the allegations made against him?
Yes, Trump has denied the allegations made against him in the litigation and has asked the judge to deem him immune, citing that he was acting in his formal role as president.