Prosecutors Oppose Trump Request to Remove Judge from Jan. 6 Obstruction Case

Prosecutors urge judge not to recuse herself from Trump's Jan. 6 case, saying he provided no evidence of bias
Judge Tanya Chutkan previously made comments about rioters' "loyalty" to Trump before he was charged
Trump's lawyers say her remarks show she prejudged his guilt, so should be disqualified
Legal experts say judges' views from other cases rarely require recusal from unrelated defendant
Chutkan gave Trump until Sunday to reply before she rules on the recusal request
If denied, Trump could appeal to have her removed from overseeing his obstruction trial

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/3/2023

Who is Tanya Chutkan, the judge assigned to Trump’s election case?

Main Topic: U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan's involvement in cases related to the January 6th Capitol attack and her upcoming role in former President Donald Trump's indictment. Key Points: 1. Chutkan has established a reputation for imposing tough penalties on rioters involved in the Capitol attack, handing down longer sentences than the government requested. 2. She has previously presided over legal fights involving Trump, including rejecting his request to stop the House Jan. 6 committee from obtaining White House documents. 3. Chutkan's background includes working as a trial attorney and supervisor on homicide, sex offenses, and domestic violence cases before being appointed to the U.S. District Court.

8/7/2023

Trump attacks special counsel Jack Smith and judge assigned to 2020 election case

Main Topic: Former President Donald Trump attacks special counsel and judge in 2020 election case. Key Points: 1. Trump accuses special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan of trying to take away his First Amendment rights. 2. Trump calls for Chutkan's recusal from the case. 3. Prosecutors request a protective order to prevent Trump from publicly disclosing evidence.

8/10/2023

Will a D.C. judge try to gag Donald Trump?

Main Topic: The potential limits on what Donald Trump and his lawyers can say to criticize the federal election fraud case against him, impugn prosecutors, or heap scorn on the judge. Key Points: 1. The local rules governing federal court in Washington, D.C., are stringent and prohibit lawyers from making public statements about witnesses, guilt or innocence, or the merits of the case. 2. The rules also allow a judge to issue a special order restricting what lawyers and the defendant can say in public in widely publicized or sensational criminal cases. 3. Imposing restrictions on Trump's speech presents a difficult dilemma for Judge Tanya Chutkan, as she must balance Trump's interest as a presidential candidate and the public's interest in hearing his perspective. The red line is likely to be statements that could be perceived as witness tampering or threats.

9/11/2023

Trump Lawyers Seek Recusal of DC Judge in Election Subversion Case Over Perceived Bias

Lawyers for Donald Trump are requesting the recusal of U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in his election subversion case, citing her past public statements about Trump and the January 6 riot at the Capitol as a potential bias.

9/15/2023

Special Counsel Fights Trump Bid to Remove Judge in Election Probe

U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith opposes Donald Trump's request to remove the federal judge overseeing the criminal case against him for attempting to subvert the 2020 election results, stating there is "no valid basis" for her recusal.

9/15/2023

Justice Department Opposes Trump Bid to Remove Judge from Election Case

The Justice Department is challenging former President Donald Trump's efforts to disqualify the Washington judge presiding over the case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, stating there is "no valid basis" for her recusal.

9/19/2023

Trump Seeks Recusal of Judge in Jan. 6 Trial Over Claims of Bias in Her Comments

Former President Donald Trump has filed a motion to recuse Judge Tanya Chutkan in his federal court case for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, but legal experts believe he will likely lose the battle as Chutkan's comments do not show bias and meet the high standard for recusal.

Topics

Posted 9/15/2023, 4:44:54 AM

Prosecutors Oppose Trump Request to Remove Judge from Jan. 6 Obstruction Case

Prosecutors urge judge not to recuse herself from Trump's Jan. 6 case, saying he provided no evidence of bias
Judge Tanya Chutkan previously made comments about rioters' "loyalty" to Trump before he was charged
Trump's lawyers say her remarks show she prejudged his guilt, so should be disqualified
Legal experts say judges' views from other cases rarely require recusal from unrelated defendant
Chutkan gave Trump until Sunday to reply before she rules on the recusal request
If denied, Trump could appeal to have her removed from overseeing his obstruction trial

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/3/2023

Who is Tanya Chutkan, the judge assigned to Trump’s election case?

8/7/2023

Trump attacks special counsel Jack Smith and judge assigned to 2020 election case

8/10/2023

Will a D.C. judge try to gag Donald Trump?

9/11/2023

Trump Lawyers Seek Recusal of DC Judge in Election Subversion Case Over Perceived Bias

9/15/2023

Special Counsel Fights Trump Bid to Remove Judge in Election Probe

9/15/2023

Justice Department Opposes Trump Bid to Remove Judge from Election Case

9/19/2023

Trump Seeks Recusal of Judge in Jan. 6 Trial Over Claims of Bias in Her Comments