Alina Habba, the legal spokeswoman for former President Donald Trump, has emphasized that being charged in heavily Democratic Washington, D.C., doesn’t necessarily guarantee an unfavorable outcome for his case.
During an interview with Newsmax TV, Habba discussed Trump’s upcoming court appearance before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, known for her stern sentencing of Jan. 6 protesters.
Habba responded to predictions that Trump’s conviction was likely due to Chutkan’s Democratic leanings and the political atmosphere. She pointed out that while concerns about facing a D.C. jury as a Republican are valid, legal processes like a motion for recusal can be pursued if there’s doubt about the judge’s impartiality.
Habba questioned Chutkan’s potential impartiality given her connections, including being associated with the current president’s family, which could impact her ability to oversee Trump’s case fairly.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team is seeking to delay his federal election trial until April 2026, beyond the 2024 election season. Chutkan is expected to set a trial date in late August.
Earlier, Chutkan ruled against strict restrictions on evidence sharing in the case. While acknowledging Trump’s right to free speech, she balanced it against the need for a protective order to prevent prejudicial influence on the jury pool.
These developments indicate the complexities and legal maneuvers surrounding Trump’s legal battles and his engagement in the 2024 political landscape.
