Trump Urges Supreme Court to Reject Expedited Review of Election Meddling Case
Former President Donald Trump has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a plea from federal prosecutors seeking an immediate review of his claim that he cannot be prosecuted for alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The filing, made in response to a request by U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith, addresses an unusual move that, if granted, would bring Trump's assertion of criminal immunity before the Supreme Court even before a lower court could rule on the matter. Trump contends that such an expedited review could significantly slow down the legal process and potentially delay the start of his trial, currently scheduled for March.
Prosecutors have charged Trump, the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, with attempting to obstruct Congress and defraud the U.S. government in his efforts to overturn President Joe Biden's November 2020 election victory.
In the court filing, Trump's lawyers argued against Smith's push for the Supreme Court to bypass the normal appellate process, including a decision by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The filing stated, "The court should decline that invitation at this time."
Trump's defense rests on the assertion that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected this claim on December 1, prompting Trump to appeal to the Washington-based federal appeals court.
Special Counsel Jack Smith urged the Supreme Court on December 11 to expedite a ruling to prevent a delay in the trial. If Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, he could potentially seek to pardon himself of any federal crimes.
The appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has temporarily suspended Trump's trial. Smith contends that Trump's claims are "profoundly mistaken" and insists that only the Supreme Court "can definitively resolve them."
With three of the nine Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump, who solidified a 6-3 conservative majority, the court's decision on whether to expedite the review could have significant implications for the trajectory of this politically charged legal battle. Trump maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. The international community awaits the outcome as this case unfolds against the backdrop of potential 2024 presidential ambitions.
