Special Counsel Jack Smith requested a delay in the criminal proceedings against President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, citing what he called "unprecedented circumstances" following Trump's election victory.
The pause, which was not contested by Trump's legal team, would allow Smith's office to assess how to proceed "consistent with Department of Justice policy," according to a court filing.
The case, focusing on alleged interference in the 2020 election, is one of several facing Trump. However, with Trump's victory the case becomes problematic because the Justice Department's policy is that criminal indictment or prosecution of a sitting President would unconstitutionally undermine the executive branch's ability to perform its constitutionally mandated functions.
