Jean MartinDonald Trump lost a bid Thursday to pause a string of lawsuits accusing him of inciting the U.S. Capitol attack. At the same time, the former president fights his 2020 election interference criminal case in Washington.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington denied defense lawyers’ request to put the civil cases seeking to hold Trump responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on hold while the criminal case accusing him of conspiring to overturn his election defeat to President Joe Biden plays out.
Challenges for the Former President:
It’s the latest legal setback for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, whose trial in a separate criminal case linked to hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign began this week with jury selection in New York.
Seeking Accountability for Capitol Attack:
The lawsuits brought by Democratic lawmakers and police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 seek civil damages for harm they say they suffered during the attack, which aimed to stop Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory.
Trump has claimed he can’t be sued over the riot that left dozens of police officers wounded, arguing that his words during a rally before the storming of the Capitol addressed “matters of public concern” and fell within the scope of absolute presidential immunity.
Legal Precedent and Court Decisions:
Washington’s federal appeals court ruled in December that the lawsuits can move forward, rejecting Trump’s sweeping claims that presidential immunity shields him from liability.
The court, however, said Trump can continue to fight, as the cases proceed, to try to prove that his actions were taken in his official capacity as president.
In court papers filed last month, Trump’s lawyers argued that civil cases should be allowed until after the 2020 election criminal case is resolved, citing “basic fairness to criminal defendants” and concerns about defense strategies.
Balancing Public Interest and Legal Rights:
Judge Mehta emphasized the public interest in prompt resolution of civil lawsuits while ensuring Trump’sthat Fifth Amendment rights are protected.
He stated that “appropriate safeguards” can be implemented to advance the lawsuits without compromising Trump’s legal rights.
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments next week on Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal prosecution in the election interference case, which will have significant implications for his legal standing and potential trial.
