Big relief to Trump, US judge stays case affecting election results

A US judge halted the federal case accusing Donald Trump of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 election results while the former president appeals, claiming he is innocent of the charges. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said Trump’s ongoing appeal temporarily halts all activities that would lead the case to trial, which is currently scheduled to begin in March 2024. Trump is appealing the acquittal ruling earlier this month, which rejected Trump’s bid to dismiss the case based on the argument that he was charged with impeachment for official actions taken by him as president. But cannot be prosecuted.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement that this is a huge victory for President Trump and our rule of law. He said the decision derails Special Counsel Jack Smith’s hasty strategy to interfere in the 2024 presidential election. A spokesman for Smith declined to comment. Prosecutors have previously denied allegations of political bias. Both Trump and Smith have acknowledged that the former president may not face trial while his appeal continues. But Smith sought to keep some aspects of the case active, arguing that the judge could still conduct some pre-trial business in the case.

Chutkan ruled that she could enforce her previous rulings, including a gag order that limits Trump’s statements about prosecutors and witnesses, while the case is stalled. The judge said she would reconsider whether to extend the trial date once the appeal was resolved. Trump has pleaded not guilty to four felony counts accusing him of attempting to defraud the United States and obstructing Congress through schemes to overturn his defeat against President Joe Biden. Is.