In a recent development, former President Donald Trump has filed a motion against Special Counsel Jack Smith, calling for him to be held in contempt of court. The motion was filed in response to Smith’s handling of the ongoing investigation into Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents.
Trump’s legal team argues that Smith has demonstrated a “clear bias” against the former president and has not conducted the investigation in an impartial manner. They also claim that Smith has ignored evidence that would exonerate Trump and has instead focused on building a case against him.
NEW: Trump’s lawyers ask Judge Chutkan to consider contempt of court charge against Special Counsel Jack Smith for defying stay order on Jan 6 trial. Smith continues to file motions while case is on hold awaiting immunity ruling: pic.twitter.com/FTwS8rHESz
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) January 4, 2024
“The stay order is clear, straightforward, and unambiguous. All substantive proceedings in this court are halted,” Trump’s attorney wrote in the filing. “Despite this clarity, the prosecutors began violating the stay almost immediately.”
The motion comes as tensions continue to rise between Trump and the Department of Justice, which appointed Smith to oversee the investigation. Trump has repeatedly criticized the investigation as a “witch hunt” and has accused the DOJ of trying to damage his reputation and political career.
JUST IN: Trump lawyers seek to hold Jack Smith in contempt of court in 2020 election case https://t.co/DkbA73Vuab
— Axios (@axios) January 4, 2024
The motion is likely to be met with opposition from Smith and his team, who have defended the investigation as necessary and proper. It remains to be seen how the court will respond to the motion and what impact it will have on the ongoing investigation.
