Title: Donald Trump Declines to Move Georgia Election Interference Case to Federal Court
Subtitle: Former President Trump expresses confidence in Fulton County court’s impartiality and commits to fair trial
September 28, 2023, 5:34 PM ET
Attorneys representing Donald Trump have informed the Fulton County court in Georgia that the former president will not seek to have his election interference case removed to federal court. This decision follows a previous unsuccessful attempt by co-defendant Mark Meadows, Trump’s former chief of staff, to move his case.
Meadows had sought to move the case to federal court, arguing that his alleged actions were performed while he was acting within the scope of his role as chief of staff. However, the judge denied his bid three weeks ago.
The indictment charges Trump, Meadows, and 17 others with racketeering for their alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. All defendants, including Trump, have pleaded not guilty. The former president maintains that his actions were legal and asserts that the investigation is politically motivated.
In Thursday’s filing, Trump’s attorneys expressed their confidence in the Fulton County court’s commitment to protecting the former president’s constitutional rights and providing him with due process of law throughout the prosecution of the case. Trump’s decision not to remove the case to federal court is based on this “well-founded confidence.”
Last month, Trump had notified the court of his intention to possibly move the case, stating it was done “in an abundance of caution.” However, the recent filing confirmed that Trump has decided against seeking a transfer to federal court.
“PRESIDENT TRUMP now notifies the Court that he will NOT be seeking to remove his case to federal court,” the filing stated.
The former president’s commitment to proceeding with the case in the Superior Court of Fulton County implies his belief that justice will be served in the state-level proceedings. Trump’s decision also highlights his reliance on the court’s impartiality to provide him a fair trial.
As the legal battle continues, the nation remains closely attuned to the developments surrounding the cases against Trump, Meadows, and the other defendants. The outcome of these cases could have significant ramifications for the perception of the integrity of the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath.