Court stops Trump's interference in election case, as ordered by judge

Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered a temporary halt to the federal case accusing Donald Trump of interfering in the 2020 election. The pause is intended to allow higher courts to consider an appeal by the former president, who claims he is immune from the charges. While the limited gag order against Trump remains in effect, the trial date of 4 March for the case remains in place for now but may need to be rescheduled. Trump, the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 election, is facing federal charges related to an alleged plot to overturn the election results. His lawyers argue that former presidents cannot be charged criminally for actions related to their official duties, but this argument was rejected by a lower court judge. Trump appealed, prompting Judge Chutkan to suspend further proceedings while the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit considers his claim of immunity. Meanwhile, the special counsel overseeing two criminal investigations into Trump has asked the US Supreme Court for a speedy ruling on the same issue, which the court has agreed to consider. The indictment filed against Trump in August includes four charges, with conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding among them. Judge Chutkan stated that if Trump's appeal is unsuccessful, she will determine whether to maintain or adjust future deadlines and proceedings, including the scheduled trial. Trump's lawyers have attempted to postpone the trial, arguing that holding it before the 2024 election would disenfranchise voters. Trump denies any wrongdoing and claims the cases against him are politically motivated to hinder his potential second presidential run. If Trump were to regain the presidency, he could potentially pardon himself in the two cases brought by the special counsel and delay two state criminal cases against him. Additionally, the Supreme Court has agreed to review a separate case that could impact the one overseen by Judge Chutkan, specifically concerning charges of obstructing an official proceeding against Trump supporters involved in the Capitol riot on 6 January 2021.