Judge dismisses Trump’s First Amendment defense in Georgia election case
An Atlanta-area judge, Scott McAfee, dismissed Trump’s argument that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election were protected by the First Amendment. This means that the criminal indictment against former President Donald Trump in Georgia stands.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge McAfee stated, “The defense has not presented, nor is the Court able to find, any authority that the speech and conduct alleged is protected political speech.”
Legal Proceedings
This decision advances the state racketeering case against Trump. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is prepared for a potential trial as early as August, although no trial date has been set for Trump and his 14 co-defendants yet.
Court’s Stance
McAfee has consistently rejected the First Amendment argument in the Georgia case, along with other state and federal judges who have dismissed claims that Trump’s actions were protected political speech.
Legal Response
Trump’s Georgia lawyer, Steve Sadow, mentioned that Trump and other defendants disagree with the judgment and plan to explore further legal options.
During hearings, Sadow argued that Trump’s attempts to challenge the Georgia election results were protected political speech, while Fulton County prosecutor Donald Wakeford contended that Trump’s lies about the election were part of criminal activity with criminal intentions.