US: Federal judge grants Jack Smith’s request to pause 2020 election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump

In the United States, a federal judge has granted Special Prosecutor Jack Smith’s request to pause the 2020 election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump. The decision comes as prosecutors determine their next steps following Mr. Trump’s presidential win.

Washington Federal Court Judge Tanya Chutkan approved the request yesterday. In a one-page motion, Mr. Smith had asked to halt the deadlines for the case, citing the unprecedented circumstances with Mr. Trump set to be certified as president on January 6 and inaugurated on January 21.

Mr. Smith stated that the pause will allow the government time to assess the situation and report back to the court on December 2. Mr. Trump currently faces four felony counts in the federal election interference case, alongside 40 charges in a separate documents case.