WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� The judge overseeing Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case canceled any remaining court deadlines Friday after prosecutors said they need time to assess 鈥渢he appropriate course going forward鈥� after the Republican's presidential victory this week.
Special Counsel Jack Smith charged Trump last year with and . But Smith's team has been evaluating how to wind down the before the president-elect takes office in light of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris means that the Justice Department believes he can no longer face prosecution in accordance with department legal opinions meant to shield presidents from criminal charges while in office.
In a court filing Friday in the 2020 election case, Smith's team said it needs 鈥渢ime to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy."
Smith's team said it would inform the judge of 鈥渢he result of its deliberations鈥� by Dec. 2.
Alanna Durkin Richer, The Associated Press
