Judge Chutkan’s ties to Obama and her controversial decisions in the Trump case raise questions about the latest indictment’s basis for discerning his beliefs.
Judge Chutkan’s Association with Obama
- The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, currently presiding over the January 6 case involving former President Donald Trump, was first nominated to her position by ex-President Barack Obama in 2014.
Chutkan’s Contributions to Obama’s Election Campaign
- Open Secrets data reveals financial support from Chutkan towards Obama’s election campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
- The donations to “Obama for America” totaled $1,500, made in three separate transactions during 2008 and 2009.
Judge Chutkan’s Decision on White House Records Access
- In November 2021, Chutkan ruled against Trump’s endeavor to prevent the House select committee, which was investigating the January 6 events, from acquiring over 700 pages of his White House records, such as call and video logs and schedules.
- The judge stated, “Presidents are not kings, and plaintiff is not president,” signifying her judgment against Trump’s attempt to conceal these documents.
How did DC Court Judge Tanya Chutkan become a judge?
Obama nominated. Senate Judiciary with 1 Senator present (Al Franken) asks 2 Qs
2.5 mins of “thank yous”
3 mins answering 2 Qs. Committee ends
Approved 95-0
Now she presides in Trump’s Jan 6 indictment pic.twitter.com/xgOyb5YpPl
— NOVA Campaigns (@NoVA_Campaigns) August 2, 2023
Judge Chutkan’s Stance on January 6 Defendants
- Chutkan has controversially imposed longer sentences for those involved in the January 6 incidents than the ones suggested by the government, indicating she will not be unbiased when dealing with President Trump.
- Many of the Jan. 6 defendants were peaceful protestors but were still hit with unfair sentences by Chutkan.
Latest Indictment of Former President Trump
- The special prosecutor Jack Smith reported the third indictment of Trump this week, relating to the January 6 charges.
- The indictment includes four charges: Conspiracy to defraud the U.S.; Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; Obstruction and attempted obstruction of an official proceeding; Conspiracy against rights.
- It remains unclear how prosecutors discerned Trump’s personal beliefs apart from being informed by others that his fraud suspicions were baseless.
