Trump moves to pause D.C. criminal case amid appeal

Former President Donald Trump has moved to pause proceedings in special counsel Jack Smith's D.C. case against him while he appeals a decision from U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan over his presidential immunity claims.

Chutkan, last week, rejected Trump's argument that he enjoyed presidential immunity from prosecution in the case, saying "[d]efendant's four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens." Trump has since appealed that ruling and argued that, while that appeal plays out, Chutkan lacks jurisdiction to continue the case.

"The filing of President Trump’s notice of appeal has deprived this Court of jurisdiction over this case in its entirety pending resolution of the appeal," wrote Trump attorneys John Lauro and Todd Blanche, Politico reported. "Therefore, a stay of all further proceedings is mandatory and automatic."

Smith has charged Trump with conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. He has pleaded not guilty.

The attorneys further stated they would appeal the decision, should Chutkan decline to pause proceedings. The trial is slated to begin on March 4.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.