FILE - This undated photo provided by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, shows U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan. Chutkan, the federal judge overseeing the 2020 election interference case against former President Donald Trump says those involved in the case must not disclose possible jurors' names as she set rules around conducting research into potential members of the jury.(Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts via AP, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) – Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case in Washington, a federal judge ruled Friday, knocking down the Republican’s bid to derail the case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision tees up a legal fight over the scope of presidential power that could ultimately reach the U.S Supreme Court. Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing in the case, is expected to quickly appeal to fight what his lawyers have characterized as an unsettled legal question.
In her ruling, Chutkan said “former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability.”
“Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office,” she wrote.
