Trump Seeks Dismissal of Georgia Election Interference Case
Former President Donald Trump has petitioned a Georgia judge to reject an election interference case against him, invoking presidential immunity.
Cameron Jordan
- 2024-01-08
- Updated 01:27 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Donald Trump's legal team presented a motion arguing that the former president is immune from criminal prosecution for acts conducted in his official capacity. This comes in response to an indictment in Fulton County, alleging that Trump and 18 others attempted to illegally influence the 2020 election outcome. Attorney Steve Sadow, representing Trump, stated that there is no historical precedent in the nation's 234 years for indicting a sitting or former president for performing official duties.
Challenges to Presidential Immunity
The indictment includes 13 charges, featuring a state RICO count which Trump shares with the remaining defendants. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His counsel contends that his actions, such as discussions with state officials and the assembly of elector slates, fall within his presidential responsibilities. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, however, characterizes Trump's efforts as exerting undue pressure on state officials and coordinating a contingent of 16 Georgians to act as illegitimate electors.
Similar defenses were raised by Trump's legal team in a federal election interference case. Nonetheless, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed the immunity claim last month. A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., is set to review the issue further, pertaining to Trump and Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation. Trump is expected to be present at the court hearing.
The plea for dismissal in Georgia marks yet another pivotal moment in the ongoing legal scrutiny of Trump's post-election actions. The outcome could have significant implications for the scope of presidential immunity and could influence the trajectory of similar cases nationwide.
