Trump’s Legal Battle Escalates: Lawyers Seek Contempt Charges Against Special Counsel Smith’s Team

In a intensifying legal clash, lawyers representing former President Donald Trump are pushing for contempt charges against special counsel Jack Smith and his team, alleging a breach of a judge’s order to temporarily halt the 2020 election interference case. Trump’s attorneys accuse Smith’s prosecutors of “outrageous conduct,” claiming they violated the court’s stay by sharing evidence during the pause and filing a motion laden with “partisan rhetoric” and “false claims.”

Photo: The Nashua Telegraph

Allegations of Partisan Misconduct

Trump’s legal team contends that Smith and two prosecutors should be held in contempt for allegedly using the stay period to disseminate political propaganda, leveraging the court’s decision to relieve Trump of litigation burdens. They assert that the prosecutors aim to transform the court’s docket into a tool for political agendas, particularly benefiting the Biden Campaign.

The motion sheds light on the simmering tension between the defense and prosecution in the landmark case, where Trump faces charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The clash underscores the opposing objectives of Smith’s team, pushing for a March 4 trial, and Trump’s efforts to delay the proceedings, potentially until after the upcoming November election.

The move for contempt arises from a December 13 order by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, which temporarily halted proceedings in response to Trump’s appeal. The defense alleges that Smith’s team breached the order by providing evidence and filing motions during the stay period.

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Immunity Question Looms Large

Central to the legal dispute is a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit set to hear arguments on Tuesday regarding Trump’s immunity from prosecution. The outcome of this hearing is expected to shape the fate and timing of the case, influencing whether a former president can be immune from legal action.

The defense motion calls for sanctions, contempt charges, and restrictions on further filings without court permission. Trump’s lawyers are also seeking reimbursement for attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in responding to what they deem as improper actions by the prosecutors.

The escalating legal saga underscores the high stakes involved, not only for Trump but for the broader question of post-presidential immunity, with potential implications for future cases involving former presidents.

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