Federal judge in DC postpones Trump’s March trial on charges of plotting to overturn 2020 election

WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Washington formally postponed Donald Trump’s trial in March on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, as a major legal challenge from the former president continues to wind its way through the courts.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Friday vacated the March 4 trial date in the case brought by Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith, but did not immediately set a new date. The move creates an opening for a separate case in New York, charging Trump in connection with hush money payments to a porn actor, to be the first to move forward.

The delay comes as a federal appeals court has yet to rule on a pending appeal by Trump, arguing that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took in the White House. It’s not clear when the three-judge panel will rule, but any ruling in favor of prosecutors that allows the case to move forward is expected to be appealed by the Trump team, likely causing additional delays will suffer.

Timing is essential for both parties. Trump, who faces four charges and 91 felonies, is looking to reduce his criminal cases as he enjoys front-runner status in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Smith’s team, meanwhile, hopes to defeat Trump before this year’s November elections. can prosecute.

The Washington case was expected to take place first, but it was postponed for weeks due to Trump’s appeal on immunity grounds. The appeals court heard arguments on Jan. 9 and while it had said it planned to move quickly, it has not yet ruled.