Federal prosecutors have made a case to a federal judge to reject former President Donald Trump's claims of being unfairly targeted in the classified documents investigation. Trump's lawyers argued that the prosecution should be dismissed due to alleged selective prosecution, pointing out that other public figures, including President Joe Biden, faced less serious cases or were not prosecuted at all.
However, special counsel Jack Smith's team countered this argument by stating that Trump's conduct was significantly more egregious than that of the other officials mentioned. They highlighted Trump's alleged efforts to retain highly sensitive classified materials, obstruct the investigation, and involve subordinates in a scheme of deception and obstruction.
Prosecutors emphasized that while there were similarities between the cases, Trump's actions, including obstructing justice and withholding classified records, set his case apart from Biden's. They cited evidence showing that Biden cooperated with authorities, willingly returned documents, and did not engage in deceptive practices.
The prosecutors also noted differences in the volume and sensitivity of classified documents involved in the investigations. They highlighted the risks associated with storing such materials at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's estate, which hosted numerous events with large numbers of guests.
Regarding Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution for acts committed in office, prosecutors argued that there is no legal basis for such immunity, especially when the charges relate to post-office conduct. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on this issue in April.
The hearing on Trump's motions to dismiss is scheduled for March 14, where these arguments will be further deliberated.
