The judge in former President Donald Trump’s federal election interference case ordered the disclosure of more documents from special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the former president just weeks before the 2024 election.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan late Thursday ordered additional documents to be made public.
HARDLINE GOP EFFORT TO DECENTRALIZE AUTHORITY OF SENATE LEADER DISPLACED BY MCCONNELL ALLY
Former President Donald Trump, left, and special counsel Jack Smith. (Getty Images)
The documents are part of the appendix of evidence in the fight over whether Trump has a level of presidential immunity that negates the charges against him.
‘DESPICABLE HUMAN BEING’: MCCONNELL’S 2020 THOUGHTS ON ‘SLEAZEBALL’ TRUMP REVEALED IN NEW BOOK
Chutkan cited in the order Trump’s claim that “the asymmetrical release of charged indictments and related documents during early voting creates a troubling appearance of election interference.”
HARRIS BARNSTORMS WISCONSIN ON 1-DAY SWING STATE TOUR TARGETTING YOUNG VOTERS
A court sketch shows legal representation of former President Donald Trump appearing before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC, on Friday, August 11, 2023. (William J. Hennessy Jr.)
According to the judge, while there is a public interest for the courts in avoiding involvement in elections, “in fact, it is the relief sought by the defendant that risks undermining that public interest.”
STRIKED BOEING WORKERS BOOO AFTER DEMOCRATIC SENATOR. MARIA CANTWELL CRITICIZES TRUMP
Former President Donald Trump’s team criticized the release of documents before the election. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
“If the court withheld information that the public had a right to access solely because of the potential political consequences of its disclosure, that withholding could itself constitute, or appear to be, electoral interference,” he argued.
He added that the court will continue to keep political considerations out of decisions, despite the defense’s request.
BILL SPONSOR LAKEN RILEY HIGHLIGHTS BILL CLINTON’S CLAIM OVER DEATH OF GEORGIA STUDENT
Special counsel Jack Smith was named special counsel in the investigation of former President Donald Trump. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Any arguments about ‘what should or should not happen before the election are not relevant here,'” Chutkan wrote.
Get the latest updates from the 2024 election campaign, exclusive interviews and more in our Fox News Digital Election Center.
