A federal appeals court has rejected former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows’ attempt to transfer his criminal case from Georgia to Washington, D.C., dealing a blow to his defense and potentially impacting former President Donald Trump’s legal stance.
Meadows, one of five defendants indicted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for allegedly conspiring to interfere with Georgia’s 2020 election results, argued for a transfer to federal court, claiming he acted in his official capacity as Trump’s aide when pressuring Georgia officials.
Reported by Salon on December 19, 2023, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Meadows’ alleged conduct wasn’t part of his official duties, denying immunity or removal under the Supremacy Clause. The court stated that Meadows participated in a scheme to subvert the will of the people of Georgia, not executing his official duties.
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Willis welcomed the decision, expressing satisfaction and looking forward to proceeding with the case in Fulton County.
Legal experts see the ruling as potentially unfavorable for Trump, who faces various lawsuits and investigations related to overturning the election. The decision’s analysis on immunity and official duties may cast doubt on Meadows and Trump’s claims.
Former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman tweeted that the ruling’s analysis resembles that of immunity claims, casting a shadow on Trump’s defense. Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig noted the meticulous and airtight opinion, suggesting it bodes poorly for Trump, indicating the courts’ skepticism towards claims of immunity and the supremacy clause defense. The ruling may signal challenges for Trump in legal battles related to his actions as president.
