The federal criminal case against former President Donald Trump for attempting to steal the 2020 election is set to move forward but unlikely to go to trial before the 2024 election. After the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have immunity for official acts while in office, the case was returned to U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Judge Tanya Chutkan denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith but allowed him to refile later. She will determine which acts are official and can be brought before a jury, with decisions expected to be appealed.
Chutkan has set an August 16 hearing to discuss the schedule for Trump’s felony criminal case, with both Trump’s lawyers and the Justice Department asked to propose a schedule. The charged crimes include attempting to subvert the election, obstruct Congress, and enlist Mike Pence to accept fake electoral slates. The Supreme Court questioned whether these actions constitute official acts. A trial before the election is unlikely, as Chutkan may take up to a year for her analysis, allowing time for Trump’s legal team to prepare.
Despite recent legal wins, Trump faces criminal charges in other cases, including sentencing in New York for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. He also faces charges in Florida for refusing to return classified documents and in Georgia for attempting to overturn election results. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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