Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, a defendant charged with racketeering in the Georgia 2020 election probe, took the witness stand for five hours on Monday in an effort to move the Fulton County case to federal court. Meadows, along with former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants, were recently booked at the Fulton County Jail for their alleged involvement in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. During his testimony before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones, Meadows portrayed his actions as part of his duties as Trump’s chief of staff, emphasizing the demanding nature of his job. When asked if his responsibilities intersected with political matters, Meadows acknowledged that almost everything the president does has political implications.
The Fulton County District Attorney’s office argued that Meadows went beyond the boundaries of his role, particularly in arranging and participating in a call where Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find votes that would alter the state’s election results. Prosecutors referred to the Hatch Act, a federal law that prohibits executive branch employees from engaging in political activity during their work. Interestingly, Meadows had previously dismissed the significance of this law. According to the prosecution, the law prohibits federal employees from using their authority or influence to interfere with or affect the outcome of an election.
During cross-examination, Meadows was questioned about the federal goal he was pursuing by challenging the election results in meetings and calls. He mentioned that he believed the federal purpose was to ensure the existence of free and fair elections in the United States. When asked about the purpose of the call with Raffensperger, Meadows explained that it aimed to find a less contentious resolution for the Trump campaign’s pending lawsuit against the state. The prosecution then inquired whether settling a private lawsuit served any federal purpose, to which Meadows asserted that his duties encompassed broader responsibilities.
Raffensperger, the Georgia Secretary of State, also took the witness stand for about an hour on Monday. Meanwhile, Jennifer Little, a member of Trump’s legal team, and an attorney for former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, both co-defendants in the case, observed the testimonies from a courthouse overflow room.
Meadows’ lawyers argued in court documents that the charges against him solely relate to official actions taken during his tenure as chief of staff. They contended that Meadows has the right to remove the case to federal court and requested a prompt resolution, referring to a federal law that permits U.S. officers to transfer trials from state court to U.S. District Court for actions performed in their official capacities. Additionally, Meadows’ lawyers stated that he intends to file a motion to dismiss the indictment as soon as possible. They emphasized the nature of Meadows’ duties, which included arranging meetings, contacting state officials, and setting up phone calls.
Judge Jones did not issue a ruling on Monday. He allowed proceedings in state court to continue and scheduled Meadows’ arraignment for September 6 if no ruling is made by that time.
Meadows faces two charges in the extensive 41-count indictment, including violation of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. He surrendered to authorities after his bid to delay arrest was denied by a federal judge in Georgia.
The indictment alleges that Meadows, Trump, and other unindicted co-conspirators unlawfully requested Raffensperger’s assistance in reversing the results of the presidential election on January 2, 2021. Raffensperger and his former lead investigator, Frances Watson, were subpoenaed to testify at Monday’s hearing regarding Meadows’ efforts to move the case to federal court.
It is worth noting that Meadows previously refused to comply with a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee and declined to testify. The House voted in favor of criminal referrals for Meadows to the Justice Department, although no prosecution followed.
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