Trump’s electoral victory forces Jack Smith to halt all legal proceedings, signaling a potential end to the politically charged cases against the former and future president.
At a Glance
- Judge cancels all court deadlines in Trump’s 2020 election interference case following his presidential victory
- Special Counsel Jack Smith requests pause to assess “unprecedented circumstance” of Trump’s re-election
- Justice Department policy prevents prosecution of sitting presidents, likely ending federal cases against Trump
- Trump’s inauguration in January 2025 could clear him of both federal and state-level charges
- House Republicans plan to investigate Smith’s conduct in light of recent developments
Trump’s Victory Halts Legal Proceedings
In a stunning turn of events, the judge overseeing Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case has canceled all remaining court deadlines following Trump’s decisive presidential victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. This move comes after Special Counsel Jack Smith, who had previously charged Trump with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and illegally keeping classified documents, requested a halt to all proceedings.
The Justice Department is now scrambling to evaluate how to wind down the federal cases against Trump, adhering to the long-standing policy that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. This development effectively shields Trump from federal prosecution while in office, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by his supporters who have long decried these cases as politically motivated witch hunts.
Judge grants Jack Smith's request to pause Trump's federal Jan. 6 case https://t.co/evhilddma3
— Axios (@axios) November 8, 2024
Smith’s Team Requests Time to Assess
In a filing that acknowledges the new political reality, Smith’s team requested the cancellation of court deadlines to assess the situation and align with Justice Department policy. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan granted this request, setting a December 2 deadline for prosecutors to propose a course of action.
“The Government respectfully requests that the Court vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy,” prosecutors in the special counsel’s office said.
This move represents a significant retreat for Smith, who had previously pushed to expedite the case before the election. The postponement acknowledges Trump’s expected return to power and the profound effect it will have on the case’s progression.
Implications for State-Level Cases
Trump’s election victory may also impact his state-level legal cases, potentially clearing him if they are not resolved before his inauguration. However, his sentencing date in New York is still scheduled for November 26, pending a ruling on his motion to vacate his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
The president-elect has made it clear that he views these legal proceedings as nothing more than political persecution. In fact, Trump has stated he would fire Smith “within two seconds” of taking office, a promise that resonates with his base who see these cases as attempts to undermine his presidency and the will of the American people.
Congressional Oversight on the Horizon
As the legal landscape shifts, House Republicans are gearing up for their own investigation. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan and House Administration Oversight Subcommittee Chair Barry Loudermilk have announced plans to investigate Smith’s conduct throughout this process. This move signals a potential reversal of fortunes, with Trump’s accusers now finding themselves under scrutiny.
The cancellation of court deadlines and the likely dismissal of charges against Trump represent a significant victory for the president-elect and his supporters. It underscores the challenges of prosecuting a sitting president and raises questions about the timing and motivations behind these cases. As Trump prepares to return to the White House, it seems the legal clouds that have hung over him are finally starting to dissipate, much to the chagrin of his political opponents.
