US District Judge Steve Jones delivered the ruling on Friday, stating that Meadows’ actions were not part of his official duties as Trump’s chief White House aide. Instead, they were seen as part of a conspiracy to exert pressure on Georgia election officials to manipulate the vote count in favor of Trump, despite his loss to Democratic President Joe Biden in the state.
Meadows, aged 64, is specifically charged with organizing calls and meetings where it is claimed that Trump urged Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, to “find” enough votes to secure victory in the state. Meadows has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Prosecutors argued that these actions were not considered “necessary and proper” for a US president and his chief of staff, while Meadows contended that they fell within the scope of his work.
The law allows for a defendant to seek a federal court hearing if their charges relate to their official duties.
Meadows has the option to appeal this ruling, which could have significant implications. A federal court might offer a more diverse and potentially favorable jury pool compared to Fulton County, Georgia, a Democratic stronghold where the case was initially filed.
Additionally, a move to federal court would allow Meadows to argue for immunity from state prosecution on the grounds that he was performing his duties as a federal official.
Meadows, Trump, and 17 others were indicted by Fulton County prosecutors in August. The charges allege a conspiracy to influence state officials in order to alter Georgia’s election outcome in Trump’s favor and undermine the electoral college, a ceremonial body responsible for formally electing the president.
Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, has also voiced suspicions that the criminal case, along with three others he faces, is part of a political maneuver to prevent him from seeking the White House again in the November 2024 election.
The former president is under indictment in Florida for mishandling classified documents upon leaving office, in Washington DC for his efforts to overturn the election, and in New York for a hush money payment made to a porn star. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all three cases and maintains his innocence.
