WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump has filed a notice to appeal a recent ruling denying his claim of immunity from prosecution in an upcoming federal election case. The case, scheduled for trial in March, has Judge Tanya Chutkan presiding.

Judge Chutkan ruled against Trump on December 1, rejecting his motion to dismiss the D.C. indictment based on claims of presidential immunity and constitutional grounds. She stated that the former president does not have absolute immunity from prosecution for actions taken during his tenure.

In response, Trump's legal team filed a separate request on Thursday, seeking a halt in further proceedings until the appeal is resolved. The lawyers argued that such a stay is necessary, citing both D.C. Circuit Court and Supreme Court precedence. They have asked Judge Chutkan to rule on the motion for a stay within seven days, claiming that the continuation of the proceedings without jurisdiction causes ongoing irreparable harm.

Additionally, Trump has asked Judge Chutkan to issue a temporary administrative stay in the case to allow him to seek a full stay from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Last week, Judge Chutkan denied two motions filed by Trump's legal team. The first motion argued for absolute immunity from prosecution for acts falling within the president's official responsibilities unless impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate. The second motion contended that the indictment violated the First Amendment.

Judge Chutkan has set the trial date for March 4, which coincides with the GOP presidential primary cycle and the day before Super Tuesday. However, if a stay is granted and an extended appeals process ensues, case deadlines could be pushed back, potentially leading to a later trial.

In a separate development, a federal appeals court rejected Trump's attempt to dismiss civil claims connected to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, stating that his claims of presidential immunity do not apply in this matter.

As the legal battle continues, the appeal filed by former President Trump provides another twist in the case, prolonging the uncertainty regarding his potential prosecution in the federal election interference case.