Supreme Court Rejects Mark Meadows’ Appeal to Move Georgia Election Interference Case to Federal Court

The Supreme Court has refused to allow former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to move the election interference case against him from Georgia state courts to federal court. Meadows had argued that the case should be heard in federal court because it relates to his duties as a federal official and cited the Supreme Court’s ruling on broad presidential immunity from criminal prosecution to support his claim[3][2].

The justices denied his appeal in a brief order without detailing their reasoning, which is typical in such cases. There were no publicly noted dissents. Meadows is one of 19 individuals, including former President Donald Trump, indicted in Georgia for allegedly participating in an illegal scheme to keep Trump in power after the 2020 election. Both Meadows and Trump have denied any wrongdoing[3].[2]

Prosecutors argued that Meadows failed to demonstrate he was carrying out official duties during the alleged scheme, which included a phone call where Trump suggested Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger could help “find” votes needed to win the state. They also contended that Meadows can raise federal defenses in the state court and that the charges do not have the potential to create a new era of ubiquitous prosecution of former federal officials[3].[5]

Attorney George Terwilliger stated that Meadows will continue to assert his innocence in state court and expects to be exonerated. The case is currently on hold due to an appeals court reviewing whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor leading the case[3].[2]

Four individuals have already pleaded guilty in the Georgia election case after reaching deals with prosecutors, while the remaining 15, including Trump and Meadows, have pleaded not guilty.