Special counsel Jack Smith, left, seen in Washington, DC, on Aug. 1, and former President Donald Trump, seen in Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 8, 2022.
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The special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump for alleged criminal interference in the 2020 election asked the Supreme Court on Monday to hear an appeal of whether Trump is protected in the case by presidential immunity.
Special counsel Jack Smith’s request could fast-track an answer to that question before Trump’s scheduled March trial date in US District Court in Washington, DC.
“This case involves issues of extraordinary national importance,” Smith’s office wrote in its request to the Supreme Court.
The motion says Trump’s trial “will not proceed pending” his related appeal.
The trial judge in the case, Tanya Chutkan, recently ruled that Trump does not have presidential immunity from prosecution in the case.
Trump then asked the federal appeals court for Washington to reverse that decision.
Smith’s court filings on Monday asked the appeals court to expedite Trump’s appeal, and also asked the Supreme Court to immediately answer the question.
Trump has been charged with crimes related to his attempt to reverse his loss to President Joe Biden in 2020.
He is not guilty.
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
