In a significant development in the federal election interference case against former President Donald Trump, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has decided to halt all proceedings, pending the outcome of Trump's appeal asserting presidential immunity. This decision puts a pause on pending deadlines and court dates, but they will not be vacated.

The judge emphasized that if jurisdiction is returned to her court, she will carefully consider whether to retain or continue the dates of future deadlines and proceedings. This includes the trial, which was initially scheduled for March 4, 2024.

However, it is crucial to note that this ruling does not affect Trump's conditions of release, the existing gag order, or the protective order in the case.

The special counsel's office, led by Jack Smith, declined to comment on the recent ruling, while representatives for Trump have yet to respond to requests for comment.

Earlier this month, Judge Chutkan ruled that presidential immunity does not shield Trump from charges that he unlawfully attempted to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election.

In response, Smith's team has requested both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the Supreme Court to expedite the appeal process.

In an attempt to prevent the case from being expedited, Trump's attorneys, on the other hand, argued that the question of whether a president can be criminally prosecuted for official acts lies at the heart of the separation of powers and requires careful consideration.

Smith's team countered this argument by asserting that expediting the appeal is necessary to uphold the public's interest in a timely trial.

As the legal battle surrounding the election interference case continues, the outcome of Trump's appeal on presidential immunity will have far-reaching consequences that could shape the future dynamics of the United States' justice system.