Supreme Court Sets Deadline for Special Counsel Response in Trump Immunity Case

The Supreme Court has set a deadline of Feb. 20 for special counsel Jack Smith to respond to former President Donald Trump's emergency application seeking to stay an appeals court decision rejecting his claim of absolute immunity from prosecution in an election interference case. Trump's legal team will then have a chance to reply, after which the court can act on Trump's request at its discretion. Last week, a three-judge panel rejected Trump's claim of presidential immunity, clearing the way for him to seek appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump's trial, originally scheduled for March 4, has been postponed pending the outcome of his immunity appeal.