Federal Election Subversion Case: Next Steps

A judge will hear arguments on the next steps in the federal election subversion case against Donald Trump, following a Supreme Court ruling granting former presidents broad immunity. Proposals from both prosecutors and defense lawyers outline different approaches, with a trial unlikely before the November election.

In a significant development, a federal judge will hear arguments on Thursday regarding the next steps in the election subversion prosecution case against Donald Trump. This marks the first hearing since the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents enjoy broad immunity from criminal charges.

Prosecutors and defense teams have submitted divergent proposals ahead of the status conference, overseen by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan. Trump, who faces charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election results, is not expected to attend. Special counsel Jack Smith's team has filed a new indictment to align with the Supreme Court ruling and is prepared to present its legal brief at the earliest possible time.

On the other hand, Trump's defense lawyers plan to file multiple motions to dismiss the charges, leveraging a recent Florida judge's ruling that Smith's appointment was unconstitutional. Given the complexities, a trial before the November election is unlikely, especially as Judge Chutkan assesses which allegations can remain in light of the Supreme Court's opinion affirming former presidents' immunity.

(With inputs from agencies.)