Judge Chutkan Rejects Trump’s Motion to Dismiss Special Counsel’s Election Interference Case

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has rejected former President Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss the special counsel’s 2020 election interference case against him. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that Trump cannot be shielded from criminal prosecution after leaving office for alleged conduct during his time in office.

In her ruling, Judge Chutkan stated that presidents do not have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for acts that fall within their official responsibilities unless first impeached and convicted in the Senate. She also noted that the United States has only one Chief Executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong “get-out-of-jail-free” pass.

Trump had argued that the four charges brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith should be dropped on the basis that presidents cannot be charged with a crime. However, Judge Chutkan’s ruling rejected this argument.

The former president is facing charges of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of making false statements. The charges stem from his alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election by pressuring the Ukrainian government to investigate his political rivals.

The ruling is a major setback for Trump, who had sought to avoid criminal prosecution for his alleged actions. The case is now expected to proceed to trial, where Trump will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.