### Special Counsel Moves to Halt Deadlines in D.C. Case Against Trump

Special counsel Jack Smith has requested the cancellation of upcoming deadlines in his Washington, D.C. criminal case against Donald Trump, who allegedly sought to undermine the 2020 election results. This decision marks the first time that Smith's team has publicly acknowledged the impact of Trump's anticipated return to the presidency on the case.

The request was detailed in a one-page filing submitted by prosecutors from the special counsel's office. "As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, the defendant is expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025," the filing stated. The prosecutors argued that halting the pretrial schedule would allow the government to appropriately assess the unprecedented situation and determine the next steps according to Department of Justice policy.

Earlier in the week, Justice Department officials had hinted at this course of action, citing a long-standing policy that prevents the pursuit of charges against a sitting president. The recent request to vacate the deadlines suggests that the charges might be dropped entirely, and that Jack Smith could likely exit the department before Trump's anticipated inauguration in January.

This development underscores the complex interplay between legal proceedings and political transitions, emphasizing the necessity for judicial prudence in unprecedented circumstances.