Judge Accuses Trump's Lawyers of Election Interference Tactics

A U.S. judge has accused Donald Trump’s lawyers of attempting to delay the release of potentially incriminating evidence related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. This decision comes ahead of the November 5 election, while the trial is expected to not commence before the election. The contentious case involves four criminal charges against Trump, who has pleaded not guilty.

A U.S. judge on Thursday accused Donald Trump's lawyers of attempting to prevent the disclosure of potentially damaging evidence of his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results prior to the November 5 election. The case will not go to trial before the election.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan granted prosecutors a final opportunity to present evidence before the election, instructing Special Counsel Jack Smith to respond by September 26 to a Supreme Court ruling that ex-presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. Prosecutors are ready to reveal new evidence to argue their case against Trump is resilient despite the court's ruling.

Trump, absent from the hearing, has pleaded not guilty to four charges of using false claims of voter fraud to influence the election results. The revised indictment maintains these charges but removes parts affected by the Supreme Court's immunity ruling. If Trump wins the presidency, he may direct the Justice Department to drop the charges.

During the hearing, Chutkan refrained from setting a trial date, suggesting the immunity topic might reappear before the Supreme Court. Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, advised against publicly revealing evidence during such a sensitive time. Chutkan reprimanded Lauro, emphasizing her disregard for electoral schedules. Trump's defense plans to argue for dismissal based on compromised grand jury evidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)