In Trump 2020 election case, Jack Smith asks judge for time to determine "appropriate course"

Washington — Special counsel Jack Smith has asked the federal district court in Washington to forego current deadlines in the case against President-elect Donald Trump related to the 2020 election to allow prosecutors more time to assess the "unprecedented circumstance" arising out of his election Tuesday to serve a second term in the White House.

Smith told U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in a one-paragraph filing that his office would like additional time to "determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy." He said prosecutors will provide more information to the court by Dec. 2.

Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the race for the White House on Tuesday and will be sworn-in for a second term on Jan. 20. As a result of Trump's victory, the Justice Department and special counsel's office are discussing how to wind down the ongoing federal prosecutions against Trump.