Trump's Presidential Immunity Bid Denied in 2020 Election Case

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has denied former President Donald Trump's request to dismiss an indictment alleging his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Trump's lawyers argued that the indictment violated his free speech rights and referenced presidential immunity from civil damages. However, Judge Chutkan ruled that Trump is not above the law and will face charges, stating that the First Amendment does not protect speech used as a crime instrument. The ruling is a setback for Trump's efforts to avoid prosecution in the federal election interference case, which is scheduled for trial in March. Special Counsel Jack Smith's indictment charges Trump with four felonies related to his actions after the election and leading up to the January 6 Capitol attack.