Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are opposing efforts by federal prosecutors to streamline arguments and appeals in his 2020 election interference case, claiming it could impact the 2024 White House race. Trump’s defense team argued against special counsel Jack Smith’s plans to file an oversized brief on whether certain actions by Trump during his presidency were official or unofficial acts, calling it improper. The prosecutors have explained that the brief is necessary to address Supreme Court concerns about presidential immunity and limit appeals. Trump’s lawyers urged U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to reject the filing, labeling it as biased and a premature report.
The prosecutors have declined to comment on the matter, and it is uncertain how much of the motion would be public if allowed. The case against Trump includes charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights related to his attempts to overturn the election results. Trump has pleaded not guilty, alleging the indictment is politically motivated. The trial, originally scheduled for March, was delayed as the Supreme Court reviewed presidential immunity claims. A trial date has not yet been set as Chutkan is to determine which of Trump’s actions were official or unofficial.
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