In a recent development, Special Counsel Jack Smith has filed a motion requesting a three-week delay in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump. Legal analyst Glenn Kirschner suggests that this motion indicates Smith's readiness to proceed but highlights the necessity of consulting with the Department of Justice (DOJ) before moving forward.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has granted Smith's request, allowing him until August 30 to present his case against Trump. This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on July 1, which established that while former presidents have immunity for official acts conducted during their presidency, they are not shielded from unofficial acts. This ruling has significant implications for the case, which has been on hold awaiting this decision.

Led by Special Counsel Smith, the case accuses Trump of attempting to overturn President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory, which ultimately resulted in the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Trump was indicted by a grand jury in August 2023 on four counts related to his alleged efforts to overturn the election. The former president claims immunity from prosecution due to his time in office and maintains his not guilty plea, alleging the case to be politically motivated.

Earlier this month, Judge Chutkan dismissed a motion from Trump's lawyers to dismiss the charges against him. However, Smith's one-page motion now delays the submission of the joint report required by both the prosecution and defense until the end of August. This postpones the scheduled court date from August 16 to September, making it increasingly unlikely for the trial to take place before the November 5 presidential election, where Trump is the Republican nominee against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

Special Counsel Smith, appointed by the DOJ to independently investigate and prosecute the case, seeks to avoid conflicts of interest or potential political influence. The motion for delay indicates a need to consult with various components within the DOJ, aligning opinions and reaching a consensus before proceeding with the trial. Kirschner, interpreting Smith's motion, suggests that it signifies an ongoing consultation process and signals to Judge Chutkan that progress is being made.

While the reasons for a delay in consultation are not entirely clear, legal analysts speculate on possible tensions between Smith and the DOJ. Lisa Rubin, an MSNBC legal analyst, wonders if the need for more time to "consult" could reveal internal disputes regarding the best approach to move forward.

As the case continues to unfold, the delay in the trial poses significant implications for the upcoming presidential election and raises questions about the timeline and potential outcomes. Newsweek reached out to Kirschner for further comments on this matter, but there has been no response as of yet.

The case against Trump remains a highly contentious legal battle, with the delay prolonging the wait for justice to be served and shedding light on the ongoing consultation process within the DOJ.