Former President Donald Trump Calls for Recusal of Judge in Election Case
Background
Former President Donald Trump has called for the recusal of U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over a federal case alleging that he illegally conspired to overturn his election loss to President Joe Biden in 2020.
Judge Tanya Chutkan
Judge Tanya Chutkan, appointed by then-President Barack Obama in 2014, is the assigned judge for the case. She is the only federal judge in Washington, D.C. who has delivered sentences against defendants in cases related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that are longer than what the Department of Justice (DOJ) requested.
Protective Order Request
Judge Chutkan has given Trump’s team until Monday at 5 p.m. ET to respond to prosecutors’ request for a protective order. This order would prevent Trump and his legal team from sharing discovery materials with the public. Trump’s attorneys asked for more time to prepare their response, but their request was promptly denied by Judge Chutkan.
Trump’s Assertion
Trump took to his social media site, Truth Social, on Sunday morning to express his belief that he cannot receive a fair trial with Judge Chutkan presiding over the case. He claimed that it is widely known that the judge is biased against him.
Indictment Details
Trump has been indicted on four federal felony charges related to his alleged efforts to discount legitimate votes in the 2020 presidential race and undermine the election itself. This is the second federal case he is facing, in addition to another probe concerning his retention of classified documents after leaving office.
Prosecutor and Charges
Both cases were brought by federal prosecutor Jack Smith, who was appointed as special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November. Trump is also facing charges from Manhattan prosecutors for falsifying business records linked to hush money payments to women who claim to have had extramarital affairs with him. Trump has pleaded not guilty in both cases and has denied the alleged affairs.
Request for Change of Venue
Trump reiterated his desire to have his election case moved out of Washington, D.C., citing his belief that the region is “anti-Trump.” He previously stated that it would be impossible for him to receive a fair trial in the district due to his calls for a federal takeover to restore the capital’s greatness.
Legal Team’s Response
John Lauro, a defense attorney for Trump, has indicated that the legal team will seek to relocate the case to a different venue.