Trump Escalates Legal Battle, Seeks Contempt for Special Counsel in Election Interference Case

Former President Donald Trump's legal team is attempting to delay his federal election interference trial, arguing that special counsel Jack Smith and prosecutors should be held in contempt for continuing legal actions despite a stay in proceedings. Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, insists the trial should be postponed until 2026 and accuses prosecutors of partisan misconduct. The special counsel's office has been meeting pretrial deadlines to ensure a prompt trial if the court's stay is lifted. Trump's campaign has attacked Smith, framing Trump's actions as a duty to investigate the 2020 election, while Smith's team alleges Trump was acting in personal interest. The trial is currently scheduled for March 4, 2024, but Trump's team is seeking to extend this date.