Former Federal Prosecutor Warns of Trump's "Dangerous" Legal Maneuvers in Election Interference Case
ICARO Media Group
Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner has issued a stark warning about the recent legal motion filed by former President Donald Trump in his ongoing federal case concerning the alleged attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Kirschner described the motion as a preview of Trump's "dictatorial plans," highlighting the potential danger it poses to the rule of law.
Trump currently faces a total of 91 criminal charges across four separate criminal cases in various jurisdictions. The most prominent case, brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and special counsel Jack Smith, accuses Trump of orchestrating a scheme to interfere with the election outcome.
Having pleaded not guilty to all charges, Trump's legal team recently filed a motion seeking to dismiss the case entirely. They argued that Trump, as a former president, enjoys complete immunity from these charges. However, Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case, rejected this motion on Thursday, emphasizing that Trump cannot evade criminal accountability simply because he held the presidency.
Undeterred by the rejection, Trump and his legal team have now filed an appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, aiming to overturn Judge Chutkan's decision. In their filing, Trump's attorneys claimed that the appeal automatically imposes a halt on all other proceedings related to the case. They further asserted that Trump will act as if the pause has been granted, even without an explicit court order.
Legal experts and observers have widely criticized this assertion as unprecedented and potentially dangerous. Kirschner, a vocal Trump critic and legal analyst, expressed his concerns in a video posted on YouTube. He called attention to the danger of a defendant in a criminal case attempting to disregard court rulings and behave like a dictator. Kirschner stressed that Trump's actions reflect an attempt to test his power and disregard the authority of the judiciary.
Dave Aronberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach, Florida, commented on Trump's legal maneuver, noting that it is unlikely to succeed unless it helps him delay the start of the trial scheduled for March 2024. Aronberg stated that while Trump has the right to appeal Judge Chutkan's ruling, his request to pause the entire election interference case pending the appeal is unlikely to be granted. Aronberg emphasized that delay tactics may only serve Trump's purpose if they lead to a prolonged trial, thus potentially impacting the 2024 election timeline.
The trial in the election interference case is considered the most probable among Trump's four criminal cases to commence before the 2024 election. Special counsel Jack Smith constructed the case for expediency by limiting the indictment to four counts and excluding unindicted co-defendants. Judge Chutkan, known for her efficient approach, is determined to move the case swiftly. The trial is scheduled to commence on March 4, 2024, unless unforeseen circumstances arise and grant Trump's request for delays.
The developments in Trump's legal battle raise concerns about the potential consequences for the rule of law and the power dynamics between the judiciary and a former president. The outcome of the appeal and subsequent events could have significant implications for Trump's future legal battles and his potential bid for the 2024 presidential nomination.