Mark Meadows seeks to transfer Arizona ‘fake elector’ case to federal court

Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has filed a request to move the Arizona “fake elector” case against him from Maricopa County to federal court, as indicated in court documents submitted on Wednesday.

This request came mere weeks after Meadows appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court for intervention in his attempt to shift a similar case in Fulton County, Georgia, into federal jurisdiction. The timing of these legal maneuvers suggests a strategic effort by Meadows and his legal team to capitalize on recent developments in judicial rulings.

In the documents filed on Wednesday, Meadows’ attorneys pointed to new Supreme Court authority that clarifies aspects of presidential immunity. This reference included the Court’s recent ruling, which Meadows’ legal team believes supports their case to transfer jurisdiction.

The attorneys contended that the charges against Meadows are closely tied to his role as Chief of Staff to the President and thus warrant federal consideration. This line of argument echoes Meadows’ long-standing claims regarding his case in Fulton County, where he has consistently cited legal provisions allowing for the removal of criminal cases when an individual faces charges for actions taken as a federal official.

In their filing, Meadows’ attorneys emphasized that the indictment “squarely relates to Mr. Meadows’s conduct as Chief of Staff to the President.” They argue that the nature of the allegations revolves around actions undertaken in connection with his official duties, fundamentally linking the state charges to his federal role.

As a result of this recent filing, a judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for September 5, indicating that the court is taking the request seriously and will consider the merits of moving the case.

Meadows is one of 18 individuals facing charges in Arizona related to alleged fraudulent efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the state. Each participant has been charged with various crimes, including fraud, forgery, and conspiracy. Meadows, for his part, has entered a plea of not guilty to these charges.

The legal landscape continues to evolve as notable figures in the case make headlines. Last week, former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis saw charges against her dropped in exchange for cooperating with the ongoing investigation. This development highlights the shifting dynamics among those entangled in the legal repercussions of alleged election-related misconduct.

As Meadows navigates these legal challenges, the implications of his request to transfer the case will be closely watched, particularly in light of the broader legal battles surrounding the 2020 election results. The outcomes of these cases could set important precedents regarding the accountability of federal officials and their actions while in office.

Overall, the unfolding drama surrounding Meadows and his co-defendants points to a contentious legal battle that will likely continue to garner public interest and scrutiny. As the evidentiary hearing approaches, more information will emerge about the arguments and counterarguments surrounding this significant case.