Jack Smith criticizes Trump’s priority to postpone criminal trials.

Special Counsel Accuses Trump’s Legal Team of Manipulation in Bid to Delay Trials

In a bold warning⁢ to Judge Aileen Cannon, special counsel Jack Smith’s team accused⁤ former President Donald Trump’s ⁢legal team of attempting to manipulate the court and delay his criminal ​trials. The accusation came in a filing by Smith counselor Jay Bratt, who pointed to ‌a new motion filed by Trump’s lawyers in ⁣his separate Washington, D.C., criminal case.

Trump’s lawyers had requested a halt to proceedings in ‍the election interference case until Judge ⁣Tanya Chutkan delivers‌ an opinion on whether‌ a U.S. chief executive is immune from criminal proceedings. Bratt revealed that Trump’s team failed to disclose this plan during a ⁢hearing before Cannon in South Florida, where concerns over scheduling conflicts between the two federal criminal trials⁤ were raised.

Cannon‍ had expressed openness to altering⁣ the ​trial‍ start date for Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents case, acknowledging that her own trial could be affected by the Washington trial schedule. Bratt ⁤argued that Trump’s repeated requests in both federal courts clearly demonstrated his overriding ‍interest in delaying both trials, regardless of⁢ the consequences.

“As the Government argued to ⁣the ‍Court yesterday, the trial date in the District of Columbia case should not be a determinative factor in the Court’s decision ‌whether to modify the dates in this matter,” Bratt said. “Defendant Trump’s actions in ​the hours following the hearing in this‍ case illustrate the point and confirm his overriding interest in delaying ‍both trials at any cost.‍ This Court should not allow itself to be manipulated in this fashion.”

Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 ‌criminal⁢ counts related to his handling of classified materials and four charges related to an alleged scheme to overturn the ⁤2020 election. In addition to his federal cases, Trump also faces criminal indictments⁢ in New York and ‍Fulton County.

While state prosecutors argue that Smith’s cases should take priority, Fulton County District Attorney‍ Fani​ Willis expressed a desire to try Trump and his co-defendants as early as March. The defense of presidential immunity was first raised in a motion filed in the 2020 elections case, claiming that Trump had “absolute immunity” ‌from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency.

Judge Cannon assured that⁣ she would promptly decide whether adjustments to ⁤her schedule for the⁢ classified documents case are necessary.

What is ​the⁤ broader strategy that Bratt alleges Trump’s legal team is employing ​to obstruct and ‍manipulate ⁤the course of justice

⁤R Trump can be​ prosecuted for inciting the January 6th ⁣Capitol attack. ⁢Bratt argued that this motion was a⁣ deliberate attempt to delay the ⁣trial ⁣and​ called⁢ for Judge Cannon ⁣to reject it.

The accusations of manipulation stem from Trump’s lawyers’ assertion​ that the outcome⁤ of the Capitol‍ attack case should ​directly‍ impact the election interference ⁢case. ‌Bratt⁤ labeled this argument as a misrepresentation of the ‍law and an ⁤effort to game ‍the system. He emphasized that​ the two cases are distinct ‌and should be treated as such, urging the court not to fall prey⁢ to this alleged manipulation.

Bratt further​ raised​ concerns about the ​potential impact of such delay tactics on the justice system. He highlighted the importance of‍ expeditious trials, particularly in cases involving ⁤former presidents, ‌to maintain public ​trust in the legal process. ⁢Allowing the accused to continually delay proceedings would undermine public faith and ⁤create an appearance of preferential treatment.

This accusation of manipulation by Trump’s legal ​team is not a standalone incident.​ Bratt’s filing also drew attention⁣ to other⁣ tactics employed by the former president’s lawyers, such as multiple attempts to change counsel mid-case and motions questioning⁤ the impartiality of Judge Cannon. These actions, according⁣ to Bratt,⁤ are part of a broader strategy to obstruct and ‍manipulate ⁤the course of​ justice.

The special counsel’s team asserted that these tactics were merely an effort to buy more time and maintain control over the ⁤narrative‌ surrounding‍ Trump’s legal troubles.‌ By delaying‌ the trials, they could potentially sway public opinion in their favor and mitigate the political consequences of the former⁣ president’s actions.

In⁤ closing, Bratt called​ on Judge Cannon to recognize‍ these alleged⁤ manipulative tactics for​ what they are and remain vigilant in ⁣upholding ⁢the integrity of the legal process. He argued that allowing such behavior to persist ‌without consequence would set ‍a dangerous precedent and undermine the very ‌foundation ⁤of the justice system. The urgency of these​ trials, Bratt emphasized, cannot be understated, as they represent a critical moment in determining the accountability of a former ⁢president.

This latest filing by special counsel​ Jack ‌Smith’s team‍ adds another layer of controversy‍ to the already ⁢complex legal battles surrounding former ​President Donald Trump. As the judge ‍carefully considers the allegations of manipulation ‌made‍ by Smith’s⁣ team, the⁤ outcome of these trials will‌ not only shape ⁢the future of Trump’s legal standing ⁣but also have⁤ significant implications​ for the broader political landscape.

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