Judge Orders Pause In Trump Election Meddling Case

The judge overseeing the federal case accusing Donald Trump of interfering in the 2020 election has ordered that it be temporarily put on hold.

Judge Tanya Chutkan says the pause will allow higher courts to consider an appeal by the former president claiming he is immune from the charges.

She added that the limited gag order against Mr Trump remains in effect.

The 4 March trial date in the case remains in place for now but may need to be moved.

Mr Trump, 77, is scheduled that month to stand trial on federal charges relating to an alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election results.

Lawyers for Mr Trump – the Republican frontrunner in the 2024 election – have argued that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities.

That argument was rejected by a lower court judge earlier this month.

Mr Trump appealed, forcing Ms Chutkan on Wednesday to halt further proceedings as the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit considers whether he has immunity.

On Monday, Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing two criminal investigations into Mr Trump, also asked the US Supreme Court for a rapid ruling on the same question.

The top court has agreed to consider his request.

Mr Smith additionally asked the DC Circuit to expedite its own consideration of Mr Trump’s appeal, and it agreed.

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