Following Donald Trump’s recent election victory a federal judge in Washington, DC has paused the “election interference case” brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Smith had previously charged Trump with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results by pressuring officials and inciting the January 6 Capitol riot.
However, given Trump’s new status as president-elect, Smith requested a halt on remaining deadlines to review the situation, as Department of Justice policy generally shields sitting presidents from prosecution.
Judge Tanya Chutkan granted the request and set a deadline for Smith’s team to propose next steps by December 2.
The decision may mark the end of Smith’s election interference case, as well as a separate federal case concerning alleged mishandling of classified documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Trump, who has repeatedly called the cases politically motivated has vowed to dismiss Smith upon taking office.
Additionally, Trump faces charges in New York for “hush-money payments” and in Georgia for alleged election interference, though his legal team argues these charges should be dismissed under presidential immunity, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling protecting presidents from prosecution over actions taken in office.
