Former President Donald Trump’s utilization of the presidential immunity defense in the federal election interference investigation is being scrutinized as a strategic delay tactic, according to legal expert Joyce Vance, a former federal prosecutor and legal analyst.
In response to Trump’s argument that federal prosecution is precluded due to the alleged offenses occurring during his tenure, Vance emphasized that Trump is well aware of the weakness of the immunity defense. Newsweek reported Vance’s insights on Thursday, December 14.
Speaking on MSNBC’s 11th Hour, Vance drew attention to Trump’s recent court filings urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit not to expedite the case, characterizing it as a deliberate delay strategy.
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“Trump has filed a motion to dismiss the charges against him on immunity grounds. And now, today, we see him in front of the Court of Appeal saying ‘but wait a second, don’t rule on my motion too fast. No need to expedite it. Let’s take our time here,'” Vance stated.
Vance explained that while any defendant facing charges would typically seek a speedy resolution of a motion to dismiss, Trump’s efforts to slow down the process suggest an acknowledgment that the immunity defense is unlikely to succeed.
In their appeals court filings, Trump’s legal team argued for a “full and fair opportunity” to present arguments, resisting the Supreme Court’s expedited ruling on immunity. They contended that a rushed schedule would compromise constitutional rights and erode public confidence in the judicial system.
Former President Donald Trump, via Truth Social, criticized Special Counsel Jack Smith for seeking a speedy decision on the immunity defense, accusing him of attempting to interfere with the 2024 presidential election. Trump asserted that Smith’s actions were an endeavor to cheat and disrupt the electoral process.
In response to Smith’s request for expedited handling of the immunity ruling, the appeals court granted a deadline for Trump’s legal team to file their brief by December 23.
This legal maneuvering underscores the high stakes and timing considerations surrounding Trump’s federal election trial, currently scheduled to commence in March 2024.
