### Federal Judge Halts Deadlines in Trump Election Interference Case as Charges Likely to be Dropped

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has put all deadlines on hold for legal filings in the election interference case involving President-elect Donald Trump. This pause comes alongside federal prosecutors' plans to dismiss the charges, aligning with Justice Department policy that discourages prosecuting a sitting president. The decision follows a statement from special counsel Jack Smith, who indicated the Justice Department would reassess its course of action given this unprecedented situation.

Special counsel Smith's filing on Friday requested the court to vacate remaining deadlines to give the government time to determine its steps in compliance with Justice Department policy. The Trump campaign quickly responded, advocating for the criminal charges to be dropped. Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung emphasized that the American public had given Trump a strong mandate to "Make America Great Again," calling for an end to what he termed the weaponization of the justice system.

Currently, Trump faces charges in Washington, D.C. relating to attempts to overturn the 2020 election and obstruct the counting of Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021. Judge Chutkan was considering whether Trump could claim immunity under a recent Supreme Court decision when the hiatus was ordered.

In a separate case, Trump was charged with unlawfully retaining classified documents post-presidency. Although U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed these charges on the grounds that special counsel Smith's appointment was illegitimate—a decision now under appeal to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals—the ultimate resolution is pending.

The decisions regarding the withdrawal of charges are expected soon, as deadlines in both federal cases loom. The developments underscore the complex legal terrain as Trump transitions back into the presidency amidst ongoing legal challenges.