ATLANTA – Mark Meadows testifies Monday in federal court that his work as Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff is so extensive that he frequently calls officials about issues such as troop withdrawals from Afghanistan or COVID testing. -19 at home, along with the results of the 2020 election.
“I definitely believe that’s part of my role,” Meadows said at the ceremony. testifying before United States District Judge Steve Jones.. “Serving the president of the United States, and I want to make his honor clear, takes all kinds of forms.”
Jones held a hearing to gather evidence on Meadows’ request to transfer criminal charges of fraud against Trump from the Fulton County Superior Court to federal court.
Meadows’ attorneys argued that federal work protected him from state-level charges. In his testimony, Meadows also countered two acts described in the indictment as part of his participation in the alleged criminal enterprise. He denied asking Trump’s political aide to write a memo, and he said a text allegedly addressed to one Georgia official was sent to another.
One of Meadows’ attorneys, George Terwilliger, said the decision to take the case to federal court “is the lowest burden of evidence you can imagine.”
“If he goes out and shoots a protester in Lafayette Park, that’s clearly a violation,” Terwilliger said.
Prosecutors at the Fulton County District Attorney’s office Fani Willis argued that Meadows was unable to act under his federal authority because federal law prohibits officials from working on politics.
“Mr. Meadows came to court today unprepared to define his duties,” said Francis McDonald Wakeford. “The scope of government mandate ends when you approach political activism.”
Jones said it took some time for him to make a decision because it could set a precedent. He said if he doesn’t give a verdict by September 6, then Meadows will have to be charged.
This decision could have widespread implications. Four other accomplices also asked to move their case from state court to federal court. Meadows has asked to have his charges dismissed in federal court.
Here’s what we know about the case:
What do lawyers argue about Meadows’ role?
Meadows charged with fraud and call Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger violates oath of office by participating in Trump’s call January 2, 2021asked to “find” enough votes for him to win the state.
Raffensperger testified that the call was more like a campaign call than from government officials.
“Those were Trump campaign lawyers, so I think it was a campaign call,” Raffensperger said of the callers.
Terwilliger instructed Meadows to perform his duties as chief of staff, scheduling appointments, scheduling calls, and setting time limits for meetings. Terwilliger asked about the actions Meadows took cited in the indictment, including traveling to the Cobb County Civic Center on December 22, 2020 to attempt to observe a leaf signature check. ballots or send messages to investigators monitoring the election.
In each case, Meadows said he participated in the activity as chief of staff. He said he considers ensuring fair elections part of his job.
“I think there’s a lot more that needs to be investigated,” Meadows said.
Anne Cross, one of the prosecutors, asked Meadows if Trump ever asked him to do something outside of his role.
“I don’t know that I’ve done anything outside of the chief of staff role we’ve discussed here today,” Meadows said. “I can’t give an example.”
Judge questions Meadows about his role as chief of staff
Jones, the judge, asked Meadows about the extent of his role under Article 2 of the Constitution, which establishes the executive branch. But Meadows says he’s not knowledgeable enough to speak yet.
Jones also asked Meadows what forms of communication would be with state officials.
Meadows said he regularly talks with governors and agricultural secretaries on topics other than elections. Meadows said he would call other officials about issues like the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan or home testing for Covid-19.
“There are times when I feel like my phone number…
