Staff Reports
Judge Tanya Chutkan has found herself in the unusual position of running the most anticipated courtroom drama since the last episode of “Friends.” Her latest move against former President Donald Trump has set a fast-paced series of deadlines that makes trying to catch a cab in New York City look like a leisurely stroll. These deadlines, set over the next two months, appear to serve the sole purpose of keeping Trump’s legal troubles front and center as he aims for another shot at the presidency.
In line with special counsel Jack Smith’s request, Chutkan is diving straight into the muddy waters of presidential immunity. The government’s lawyers have until September 27 to present their arguments, while Trump’s team gets until October 17 to muster up a response. One must wonder if Chutkan’s calendar is as packed as the passenger manifest on a Southwest flight the day before Thanksgiving, or if she simply enjoys keeping the former president on a tight leash.
NEW: Judge Chutkan vowed to enter a scheduling order before day’s end. And she did, granting Jack Smith’s proposal to submit a “comprehensive” brief on immunity, including supporting evidence, by 9/26. 1/ pic.twitter.com/wpj8WXgPUC
— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) September 5, 2024
Chutkan’s skepticism about Trump dragging the court proceedings deep into next year reveals her apparent desire to keep the former president in the public eye as he campaigns. That doesn’t bode well for Trump’s legal team, who might be feeling the pressure more than a can of soda in a hot car. This latest development is just a sideshow in a broader circus after the Supreme Court ruled that presidents enjoy some level of immunity from criminal allegations. It seems even the highest court in the land acknowledges that some activities are just too presidential for the likes of a courtroom drama.
The prosecution, undeterred, has trimmed down the list of allegations but maintains the original charges against Trump. One can almost picture them sharpening their pencils in eager anticipation of the upcoming deadlines, ready to defend the claims that Trump’s actions fell outside the presidential bubble of immunity. They’re likely leaning into every argument that could paint his communication with former Vice President Mike Pence as fair game—because who wouldn’t want a piece of that juicy scandal pie?
Chutkan’s earlier comments about setting a trial date being an “exercise in futility” may just underline a belief that she already knows where this circus is headed. She expects an appeal from Trump, no matter what the outcome, which hints at an underlying strategy: give Trump a reason to keep fighting in court while also keeping his campaign hopes alive. It could be that the judge has already resigned herself to the reality that her ruling will be plastered across headlines regardless of its content. After all, in the world of high-stakes politics and courtroom drama, it’s all about the ratings.
