Judge Tanya Chutkan resumes Donald Trump's election interference case, sets new hearing date

WASHINGTON, DC: The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s federal election interference case has scheduled a hearing for August 16 at 10 am.

In an order filed Saturday, August 3, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan announced that the meeting would be a status conference. 

Donald Trump's motion to dismiss election interference case denied by Judge Tanya Chutkan

Donald Trump's election interference case, which was on hold after the Supreme Court carved out immunity for former presidents, appears to be back on track with Judge Tanya Chutkan's announcement.

The judge also denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case on statutory grounds.

She mentioned that they might refile the motion once issues of presidential immunity are resolved.

All parties involved are required to file a status report by August 9, jointly proposing a possible schedule for pretrial proceedings. "If necessary, the parties may explain any disagreements in separate sections of the report," Judge Chutkan stated according to The Hill.

The case is not expected to reach trial before the presidential election this fall. With the Supreme Court’s ruling, Judge Chutkan may consider how the decision affects the specifics of the case.

Trump’s case was returned to the judge and the lower court after the 32-day waiting period from the Supreme Court was completed.

Special Counsel Jack Smith and the immunity issue

The new deadlines will provide insight into how Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to proceed with the Supreme Court's immunity issue.

Previously, Judge Chutkan dismissed Trump’s attempts to delay the case, stating that the election would not influence her timing decisions.

There was a possibility that the judge would allow the case to go to trial before November, but the Supreme Court decision altered the timeline. 

In her order, Judge Chutkan denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the indictment on statutory grounds and stated he could file a new motion “once all issues of immunity have been resolved.”

“The court will set additional deadlines following the August 16, 2024 status conference,” she wrote.

Supreme Court's ruling and its impact on Donald Trump's election interference case

In a 6-3 ruling last month authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court found that a president has absolute immunity for acts within their core constitutional powers and a presumption of immunity for "acts within the outer perimeter of his official responsibility."

Judge Chutkan will be responsible for applying the Supreme Court's decision to the allegations in Trump's criminal case, including whether Trump's actions were "official acts" or private conduct that can be prosecuted according to ABC News.

Internet reaction after Judge Tanya Chutkan announces hearing of Donald Trump’s election interference case

Netizens elicited varied reactions to Judge Tanya Chutkan's announcement of hearing Donald Trump's election interference. Even as a majority of users praised the judge, some were infuriated.

"And that hearing is only 3 days before the Democratic convention... momentum is building," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Another commented, "Judge Chutkan is wasting no more time and is ready to go!"

One wrote, "Judge Chutkan rocks!" Another reaction read, "Love it. She’s not being swayed by Trump’s idiocy."

"Kind of weird when a judge actually following the law is to be applauded," wrote one commenter.

"Nothing like using the government to go after your opposition. Good thing this kinda stuff only happens in Russia, North Korea, and China. Oh shit nevermind. This is so destructive for our democracy," read another tweet.

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