Judge Halts Trump's 2020 Election Case as Jack Smith Seeks Guidance Post-Victory

Nov 8, 2024, 06:15 PM

Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested to vacate all remaining deadlines in the federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump following his victory in the presidential election held on November 5, 2024. Smith cited the need to "assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward" as Trump is "expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025." U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has granted the request, canceling any remaining court deadlines in the election interference case related to the January 6 Capitol attack. The Department of Justice is expected to inform the court by December 2 of its plans on how to proceed. The move indicates that the federal prosecutions against Trump are winding down as the Justice Department grapples with longstanding guidelines against prosecuting a sitting president.