Smith Asks SC: Let Trump Election Interference Case Proceed To Trial

Special counsel Jack Smith urged the US Supreme Court to let former President Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case proceed to trial without further delay, Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer and Mark Sherman reported for the Associated Press (AP).

If Trump were to be elected with the case pending, he could use his authority as head of the executive branch to order the Justice Department to dismiss it or he could seek to pardon himself. I Photo: United Nations Peacekeeping

Prosecutors were responding to a Trump team request from earlier in the week asking for a continued pause in the case as the court considers whether to take up the question of whether the former president is immune from prosecution for official acts in the White House.

Two lower courts have overwhelmingly rejected that position, prompting Trump to ask the high court to intervene.

The case — one of four criminal prosecutions confronting Trump — has reached a critical juncture, with the Supreme Court’s next step capable of helping determine whether Trump stands trial this year in Washington or the proceedings would be postponed.

The trial date is of paramount importance to both sides. Prosecutors are looking to bring Trump to trial this year while defense lawyers are seeking delays in his criminal cases.

If Trump were to be elected with the case pending, he could use his authority as head of the executive branch to order the Justice Department to dismiss it or he could seek to pardon himself.

Prosecutors responded to Trump’s appeal within two days even though the court had given them until next Tuesday.

They described the case as having “unique national importance” and said that “delay in the resolution of these charges threatens to frustrate the public interest in a speedy and fair verdict.”

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