Trump's Legal Troubles Mount as Judge Denies Immunity Claims and Election Interference Defense

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has rejected former President Donald Trump's claim of immunity from criminal liability for actions taken while in office, denying a motion to dismiss his federal election interference case. Chutkan stated that being a former president does not grant immunity from federal criminal liability and dismissed arguments that the indictment violated Trump's free speech rights. This ruling comes after a federal appeals court also struck down a similar immunity claim in civil lawsuits related to the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The trial for the federal election interference case is scheduled for March, but Trump's defense team is expected to appeal, potentially delaying the trial beyond the 2024 election.