Former President Donald Trump has been granted a seven-day reprieve to challenge the disclosure of additional evidence in his election fraud case. Judge Tanya Chutkan paused the release to allow Trump's legal team to evaluate their options, stating, "The court will grant Defendant's request for a stay so that he can 'evaluate litigation options.'"
The evidence in question was unsealed by Special Counsel Jack Smith, despite Trump's objections. The released documents include a 165-page brief detailing Trump's alleged actions during the January 6 Capitol attack, including his indifference towards Vice President Mike Pence's safety and attempts to promote a flawed report on voter fraud in Michigan.
Chutkan's ruling implies skepticism regarding Trump's reasons for blocking the release, noting that his objections lack specific substantive claims. She stated, "Defendant's concern with the political consequences of these proceedings is not a cognizable legal prejudice." Trump's legal team has described the evidence as "unlawfully cherry-picked and mischaracterized" by Smith's office.