Donald Trump's federal election case paused - delaying trial date

The federal judge overseeing Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case has paused all procedural deadlines, which could lead to a delay in his March 2024 trial date.

Judge Tanya Chutkan issued the order as she no longer has jurisdiction over aspects of the criminal case while it is being determined whether Trump is immune and can be tried.

Special counsel Jack Smith has asked the Supreme Court to step in and speed up the appeals process.

Chutkan said she would reconsider Trump's trial date of March 4, 2024, when the process has concluded.

The judge also said she will continue to "safeguard the integrity of these proceedings," including imposing measures such as the limited gag order against Trump and his conditions of release.

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Chutkan wrote: "(I)f a criminal defendant could bypass those critical safeguards merely by asserting immunity and then appealing its denial, then during the appeal’s pendency, the defendant could irreparably harm any future proceedings and their participants."

Earlier this week, Smith asked the US Supreme Court to quickly decide fundamental issues in Trump's case - whether he has immunity from criminal prosecution for alleged crimes he committed while in office.

Smith also asked the court to decide if Trump is protected by double jeopardy because he was acquitted by the Senate during an impeachment trial.

Prosecutors also asked the court to expedite its review of the immunity matter so that the case can be appealed to a higher court if justices don't agree to hear the case immediately.

But defense attorneys have pushed back against an expedited appeals process, and they said prosecutors are trying to "disenfranchise" voters in 2024.

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