Meadows: Federal Law Protects My Actions in Georgia Recount
Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Argues for Federal Trial in Georgia Election Case
In a highly anticipated hearing on August 28, former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows made his case for a federal trial in Atlanta regarding his involvement in the disputed presidential election in Georgia. Meadows argues that since his actions were related to his job as a White House official, the case should be tried in federal court.
This hearing is significant as it marks the first time substantive arguments have been presented in court for any of the four criminal cases brought against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants this year. Many view this hearing as a mini-trial for President Trump and his fellow defendants, with the outcome potentially setting the tone for future Trump-related prosecutions.
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Meadows is seeking to have the Georgia racketeering charges against him, which are connected to President Trump’s efforts to contest the state’s 2020 election, heard in federal court instead of the state court in Fulton County where they originated.
The hearing took place before federal Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011.
President Trump, Meadows, and 17 co-defendants were indicted by a state grand jury in Fulton County on August 14 for their involvement in challenging the election.
The focus of the prosecutors has been on a January 2, 2021, telephone conversation between President Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The conversation included discussions about the vote count and potential actions the officials could take. Prosecutors allege that Trump and others unlawfully attempted to interfere in the electoral process, a claim vehemently denied by Trump.
The charges against the defendants range from violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to soliciting the violation of an oath by a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery, and conspiracy to commit filing of false documents. Meadows himself is charged with violating the Georgia RICO Act and soliciting the violation of an oath by a public officer.
In his defense, Meadows argues that everything he did was within the scope of his official duties as chief of staff for the president. He testified that his job involved long hours and overlapping responsibilities between the White House and monitoring the election. He attended meetings as a principal or observer, reporting back to the president and taking notes for follow-up. Campaign and election-related matters were part of his responsibilities.
Prosecutor Anna Cross cross-examined Meadows, challenging the federal nature of his actions. However, Meadows provided examples of how his actions were related to federal government business, such as observing the recount process in Cobb County and discussions with Secretary of State Raffensperger.
Meadows compared himself to the telephone operator on “The Andy Griffith Show,” stating that his role was to ensure the right information reached the right people. He emphasized that the federal government and the president have a vested interest in fair and properly administered elections.
The hearing will determine whether the case remains in federal court or is remanded back to state court. Meadows filed a notice of removal, arguing that he is immune from state prosecution under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This clause elevates federal law over state law and provides federal defenses for federal officers.
If the case remains in federal court, it will be tried according to state laws but within the federal jurisdiction. The outcome of this hearing will have significant implications for the future of Trump-related prosecutions.
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