The ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6th events has taken a new turn. Special Counsel Jack Smith has amassed a substantial amount of evidence, according to sources cited by CBS News reporter Robert Costa. According to Costa, the evidence collected by Special Counsel Jack Smith is “extensive and multifaceted”. It includes phone records, memos, and diary entries from key witnesses, such as former Vice President Mike Pence. Additionally, eyewitness testimony from individuals present in the Oval Office during critical moments is part of the investigation.

Unlike the January 6th Committee, the special counsel’s office possesses subpoena power, allowing them to delve deeper into witnesses’ testimonies and conduct thorough investigations. “Based on my conversations with sources, it is evident that Jack Smith has a sprawling case against former President Donald Trump,” Costa asserted.

CBS reporter Jan Crawford predicts that the US Supreme Court will likely rule against Trump’s immunity argument. Crawford believes that the Court will reject the notion that Trump is immune from criminal prosecution, even speculating a potential unanimous decision of 9-0. This prediction raises questions about the future of Trump’s legal battles and the potential consequences he may face. Jan Crawford expressed her opinion that the Supreme Court “is not going to save Donald Trump” from the federal Jan. 6 criminal trial.

.@JanCBS predicts that in 2024 the Supreme Court "is not going to save Donald Trump" from the federal Jan. 6 criminal trial.

"They are not going to rule that he is immune from criminal prosecution," she says. "And I don't think it's even going to be close. It could be 9-0." pic.twitter.com/CG6qsBNKCS

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 24, 2023

In an attempt to shield himself from federal prosecution, Trump’s lawyers argue that he is immune from criminal charges for actions taken during his presidency. They emphasize that no previous president has faced criminal prosecution for their official acts and claim that the question of immunity remains complex and unprecedented. According to Trump’s lawyers, the question of presidential immunity from prosecution is among the most significant issues that the Supreme Court will be called upon to decide.

Jack Smith’s request for a ruling on Trump’s immunity argument was recently denied by the US Supreme Court. Smith had sought the Court’s intervention in determining whether Trump should be immune from federal prosecution. However, the Court rejected this request, redirecting the case to the US Circuit Court of Appeals for DC. Jack Smith’s request to expedite the ruling on Trump’s immunity argument was turned down by the US Supreme Court.

The US Circuit Court of Appeals for DC will now decide the fate of Trump’s immunity claims. Oral arguments are scheduled to commence on January 9, 2024. The three-judge panel assigned to the case consists of Karen Henderson, a George H.W. Bush appointee, and Michelle Childs and Florence Pan, both Biden appointees. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Trump’s immunity argument.

In support of his claim for presidential immunity from prosecution, President Trump has filed his opening brief at the appeals court. The arguments presented in the brief align with those previously made by Trump’s legal team. The question remains as to the urgency with which the DC Circuit Court of Appeals will treat the case. President Trump has made his case for presidential immunity from prosecution in his opening brief filed with the appeals court.

While the appellate court will initially handle the case, there is a possibility that the US Supreme Court may consider an appeal after the appellate court’s decision. However, it is uncertain whether the Supreme Court will take up the case in the current term. The question of whether the US Supreme Court will hear the case remains open for speculation.