Trump faces federal court hearing on Jan. 6 case in D.C

On Thursday, lawyers for Donald Trump and special counsel Jack Smith will appear before Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, D.C., for a significant hearing regarding the federal election subversion case. This hearing marks the first since prosecutors revised their indictment to align with a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted Trump some presidential immunity. The outcome of this hearing could influence the pace at which the case proceeds, as Chutkan has previously expressed a desire to expedite the trial process. The Supreme Court's ruling in July determined that Trump had absolute immunity concerning his core executive functions, leading to the removal of allegations related to the Justice Department from the indictment. In light of this, special counsel Smith has indicated readiness to file legal briefings that clarify how the revised indictment complies with the Supreme Court's decision. Trump, on the other hand, is seeking to reserve time for potential disputes regarding evidence and has proposed filing the first brief on immunity issues. Chutkan will also need to address whether to handle non-immunity matters concurrently with the immunity question or separately. Trump's legal team is preparing to challenge the legitimacy of Smith's appointment and funding, similar to a motion that previously led to the dismissal of another federal case against him. Additionally, Trump plans to argue that the grand jury was exposed to evidence that should have been protected under the Supreme Court's ruling. As the hearing unfolds, it will provide insights into how Chutkan views the case and the potential for a swift resolution or prolonged legal battles ahead. The proceedings will be closely monitored, with CNN providing live updates from the courtroom.