Donald Trump’s federal election interference case will be temporarily delayed after Judge Tanya Chutkan granted special counsel Jack Smith’s request to suspend the case’s remaining deadlines due to the “unprecedented circumstance” of Trump’s potential election victory.
In a filing on Friday, Smith noted that Trump is expected to be certified as the president-elect on January 6, 2025, with inauguration set for January 20.
Given this, Smith requested a pause in pretrial deadlines to allow his office time to assess the situation and decide on the next steps in line with Department of Justice policy. The office plans to update the court by December 2.
The Justice Department traditionally avoids prosecuting sitting presidents, and Trump’s defense team did not oppose the delay. Chutkan granted the motion shortly after.
This request came just two days after Trump was projected as the winner of the 2024 election, and as reports emerged that the Justice Department is considering concluding the two federal criminal cases against him.
Given his imminent return to the White House, it is unlikely that the federal cases or those in New York and Georgia will proceed while he is in office. Trump has denied all charges in his criminal cases.
Smith, who has been a primary target of Trump’s criticism for his role in the federal cases, could face consequences if Trump regains the presidency.
Trump previously stated he would fire Smith “within two seconds” if he wins the election. Additionally, figures like Elon Musk and lawyer Mike Davis have called for Smith to be prosecuted.
