In a scathing rebuttal, Department of Justice (DOJ) special counsel Jack Smith has vehemently rejected former President Donald Trump's motion to dismiss the election-tampering case against him. The allegations, which span nearly 80 pages, accuse Trump of using "rank speculation" and "conspiratorial narratives" in an attempt to escape the charges.

Smith's filing, submitted to a Washington D.C. court on Monday, addresses Trump's claims of "selective and vindictive prosecution." The chief prosecutor firmly denies these assertions, emphasizing that the prosecution is based on factual evidence rather than any personal animosity towards Trump.

A significant aspect of Smith's rebuke focuses on the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol building, where pro-Trump protesters attempted to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election. Smith accuses Trump of justifying the violent attack and notes that during the chaos, Trump referred to the rioters as "very special."

"The evidence of the attack at the Capitol on January 6 is powerful and probative evidence of the defendant's conduct, motive, and intent," Smith states in the filing. He further highlights that during the riot, Trump and his alleged co-conspirators sought to exploit the delay caused by the attack to obstruct the proceedings.

Smith also points out Trump's praise of a choir composed of individuals accused of crimes during the January 6 riot. The group recently performed a rendition of the National Anthem at a Texas political rally while Trump saluted the flag. Smith highlights Trump's statement to the crowd, where he allegedly said, "[O]ur people love those people."

The DOJ special counsel strongly disputes Trump's defense, particularly the claim that his statements on the 2020 election are protected under the First Amendment. Smith argues that any speech used to carry out the alleged conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction crimes charged in the indictment do not enjoy First Amendment protections.

Trump's legal team had filed motions on October 23, requesting Judge Tanya Chutkan to dismiss the four federal election tampering charges, citing "vindictive prosecution" and alleging discrimination. They claim that the prosecution is fueled by a desire to incapacitate Trump, his main political rival, and the leading candidate in the upcoming election.

Smith dismisses these claims as baseless, asserting that the prosecution is rooted in the principle of equal justice under the law. He suggests that Trump's true motive is to disrupt and delay the trial, which is currently scheduled for March.

The motion to dismiss is still awaiting a ruling from Judge Chutkan, and the case is progressing towards trial. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the outcome of this high-profile legal battle remains to be seen.