Federal attorneys argue President Trump was acting in his official capacity on January 6, moving to substitute the U.S. government as the defendant in ongoing civil litigation.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to protect President Donald Trump from multiple civil lawsuits related to the January 6, 2021 events at the U.S. Capitol, seeking to have the federal government substituted as the defendant for claims arising under Washington, D.C. law. In a court filing late Thursday, Justice Department attorneys urged U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to remove Trump as a defendant, asserting he was “acting within the scope of his office or employment” during the events in question.
This legal maneuver would shield Trump from personal liability under local statutes, including claims filed by police officers and Democrat lawmakers who allege that Trump incited or aided attacks on law enforcement through his speech prior to the Capitol breach. The lawsuits, now consolidated before Judge Mehta, seek monetary damages for injuries and alleged violations stemming from the protests.
The department cited federal law requiring the substitution of the U.S. government in place of federal employees sued for actions taken in the course of their official duties. The scope of this substitution is limited to state or local law claims, leaving federal claims against Trump untouched for now.
This latest filing marks a reversal from the Justice Department’s position under Joe Biden’s administration, when it argued in a now-dismissed criminal case that Trump’s conduct on January 6 was unrelated to his official responsibilities. Since retaking office in January, President Trump has asserted greater control over the Justice Department, with newly appointed senior officials committed to upholding the administration’s directives.
In response to the lawsuits, Trump has maintained that his actions on January 6 fell within his official duties as president and that he is therefore immune from civil liability. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the protests.
Judge Mehta has not ruled on Trump’s renewed claim of immunity. A federal appeals court previously rejected his immunity argument but allowed for reconsideration if Trump could present evidence showing his conduct was part of his official presidential role rather than that of a political candidate.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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