Donald Trump has labeled a judge as “the most evil person” following the release of over 1,800 pages of evidence in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election conspiracy case. The Republican presidential candidate criticized U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan for denying his request to postpone the release of this evidence until after next month’s election, claiming it constitutes “election interference.”
The legal community is divided on whether these filings infringe upon a Justice Department guideline that advises against investigative actions that could impact elections within 60 days of voting. In her ruling, Judge Chutkan stated that withholding the documents could itself be perceived as election interference.
“If the court withheld information that the public otherwise had a right to access solely because of the potential political consequences of releasing it, that withholding could itself constitute – or appear to be – election interference,” she stated.
Previously, a Texas woman was charged for making death threats against Judge Chutkan in connection with the Trump case. The recently released 1,889 pages consist mainly of previously known information, including excerpts from former Vice President Mike Pence’s biography and his declaration that he would not overturn the 2020 election results. This new evidence stems from a motion filed by Smith last month.
During a recent interview, Trump criticized Judge Chutkan further, branding the special counsel as “a sick puppy.” The case revolves around the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, with allegations that Trump unlawfully conspired to reverse his election defeat to Joe Biden.
In the same interview, Trump made controversial comparisons, suggesting the ongoing detention of individuals involved in the Capitol riot resembles the U.S. internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. “Why are they still being held? Nobody’s ever been treated like this,” Trump said, making his remarks during a discussion with a right-wing media figure.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump could not be prosecuted for actions taken while he was in office, leading Smith to adjust his strategy. The updated case hinges on claims that Trump engaged in illegal acts while serving as a private citizen, continuing to promote unfounded allegations of election fraud even when he considered them to be “crazy.”
The documents released also include transcripts from the January 6 House committee investigations, parts of Pence’s autobiography, and correspondence aimed at rallying voter support. The timeline for the January 6 case proceeding to trial remains uncertain, particularly as Trump may end the prosecution if elected back to the presidency. In addition to this case, he faces several other legal challenges, including a conviction on 34 felony counts in New York linked to a hush-money payment.
