A federal judge denied former President Donald Trump’s request to pause lawsuits filed against him by members of Congress and police officers for his actions on Jan. 6. The judge, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, ordered Trump to describe the basis for his claim of immunity from the lawsuits, rejecting Trump’s argument that disclosing details could undermine his criminal defense. The lawsuits, which allege Trump’s involvement in inciting the Capitol riot, will advance independently of the criminal case against him. Mehta clarified that addressing questions about Trump’s immunity in the civil suits can be done without requiring him to admit to specific actions that might also be relevant to his criminal case. The ruling comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on Trump’s immunity in the criminal case next week. This decision sets a significant precedent in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the events of Jan. 6, highlighting the intersection of criminal and civil proceedings related to the Capitol riot.
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