Former President Donald Trump's legal battle over the 2020 election continues as his attorneys ask an appeals court to dismiss the election subversion case against him. This comes after the Supreme Court rejected a bid by special counsel Jack Smith to fast-track hearings on Trump's claim of presidential immunity.
The Supreme Court's decision garnered support from both Democrat and Republican justices, who saw through what critics argue was a partisan ploy by Jack Smith to keep Trump out of the White House. Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe called Smith's pursuit of swift justice 'nakedly partisan and overtly political.'
In their late-night filing to the D.C. Court of Appeals, Trump's legal team argued for the charges to be dropped, asserting that Trump is covered by absolute immunity. They claimed that as president at the time of the alleged crimes, Trump has immunity from federal prosecution for his official acts. Trump's team further contended that since the indictment only alleges official acts, it must be dismissed.
Former Attorney General William Barr expressed support for Trump's claim of immunity, stating that if the president is performing an official function, he has absolute immunity that must be protected. However, Barr acknowledged that the key question lies in determining whether Trump was acting as a candidate or as president after the election.
The appeals court's decision will now likely delay the trial's planned start date of March 4. The Supreme Court may still hear arguments on the case, but that would occur after the appeals court's hearing on January 9. If the Supreme Court were to consider the case, it would further prolong the proceedings, potentially pushing the trial into the spring or early summer.
This latest development deals a blow to special counsel Jack Smith, as his attempt to expedite the trial was rejected by the Supreme Court. Critics have raised concerns about Smith's credibility, suggesting that his motives are rooted in partisan politics rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
As the legal battle marches forward, all eyes remain on the appeals court and the potential impact of their ruling. Trump and his legal team continue to fight for the dismissal of the charges, invoking the argument of presidential immunity. Only time will tell how this high-stakes battle over the 2020 election outcome will unfold.
