Judge Halts Proceedings in Trump's 2020 Election Case
In a significant development, Judge Tanya Chutkan has suspended all scheduled deadlines in the case against Donald Trump regarding his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. This decision follows a request from special prosecutor Jack Smith, who cited the need for time to assess the implications of Trump's recent victory in the November 5 election, which positions him to assume the presidency again on January 20, 2025. The order states that by December 2, 2024, the government will provide a status report on how to proceed with the case.
The Justice Department has a longstanding policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, a principle that may now shield Trump from facing charges related to this case until after his term. Trump faces accusations of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and obstruction of an official proceeding, among other charges, stemming from his actions following the 2020 election.
Concerns for Taiwan Amid Trump's Election
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, concerns are mounting in Taiwan regarding the implications of his presidency. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has expressed anxiety that Trump may abandon the island, which China views as a breakaway province. The island's chip industry is crucial for the U.S. economy, and any disruption could have dire consequences for both nations.
During his campaign, Trump criticized Taiwan's defense spending and accused it of not contributing enough to its own security. This rhetoric has led to calls within Taiwan to increase defense spending significantly, as fears of a potential Chinese military action grow. Historically, Trump's administration had strengthened U.S.-Taiwan relations, but his approach remains unpredictable, raising alarms about Taiwan's future security under a Trump presidency.
