Judge in Trump Jan. 6 case grants Smith’s request to delay deadlines

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan approved a request Friday from special counsel Jack Smith to delay the next steps in the government’s election interference case against former President Trump. 

Smith cited deliberations over how to factor in the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling between the government and Trump’s representation. This comes after Chutkan asked both sides to prepare a joint status report, which was originally due Friday.

“Although those consultations are well underway, the Government has not finalized its position on the most appropriate schedule for the parties to brief issues related to the decision,” the special counsel’s office said. “The Government therefore respectfully requests additional time to provide the Court with an informed proposal regarding the schedule for pretrial proceedings moving forward. The defense does not object to the Government’s request for an extension.”

With the judge’s approval, the report is now due in three weeks on Aug. 30. A status conference that was scheduled in court for Aug. 16 has also been delayed until Sept. 5. 

The filing noted that Trump’s team did not object to Smith’s request for the extension.

The early July Supreme Court ruling found that Trump has “presumptive immunity” for pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify a slate of “fake electors” on Jan. 6 to flip the election in his favor. 

Whether Trump’s case deserves protection and whether his actions are considered part of his core duties are yet to be determined. The case was returned to Chutkan’s courtroom to decide.

Last week, Chutkan rejected a motion from Trump’s lawyers to dismiss the indictment and has instead decided to proceed with the case after its eight-month hiatus.

The public will get its first look at how Smith will navigate the case going forward when the joint status report is released.