Donald Trump has directed his attention towards the federal judge presiding over the case concerning his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. His lawyer argued that Trump’s actions after the election loss were merely “asks” and not directives.
In a social media post, Trump expressed his belief that he cannot receive a fair trial with Judge Tanya Chutkan “assigned” to the case. He announced plans to seek her recusal and a change of venue outside of Washington.
As of midday on Sunday, no formal request had been filed with the court, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump, a leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has been indicted for a third time. He pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiring to defraud the U.S. by obstructing Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s victory, allegedly denying American voters their right to a fair election.
With a deadline of 5 p.m. (2100 GMT) on Monday, Trump must respond to the U.S. government’s proposed protective order, designed to safeguard witnesses and evidence in the case, after his request for a delay was denied by Judge Chutkan.
During television interviews on Sunday, Trump’s lawyer, John Lauro, defended his client’s actions after the 2020 election loss, characterizing them as petitions rather than directives, while also criticizing the protective order.
