The US Justice Department has moved to shield President Donald Trump from civil lawsuits by police and Democratic lawmakers seeking monetary damages for the violence during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. The department’s lawyers have asked a court to replace Trump with the US government as defendants in certain claims, citing a federal law that requires the government to be the defendant when federal employees are sued in their official role.
The move comes as part of Trump’s efforts to exert control over the Justice Department since his return to the presidency. The plaintiffs have argued that Trump directed and aided assaults on police officers and have urged the court to reject his immunity claim. A federal appeals court previously rejected Trump’s immunity claim, but let him renew it if he provided evidence that he was acting in his role as president.
The lawsuits were filed by eight civil litigants seeking monetary damages for their alleged injuries and trauma during the attack on the Capitol. The US government has taken over as defendants in these claims, citing a federal law that mandates its involvement when federal employees are sued in their official capacity. The department’s new stance contrasts with its position during Biden’s administration, where prosecutors argued that Trump’s actions surrounding the riot were unrelated to his official responsibilities.
The Justice Department’s move aims to protect Trump from liability for the violence and allegations made against him by police officers and lawmakers. The court has not yet ruled on Trump’s immunity claim, but the US government taking over as defendants in these claims suggests a shift in strategy by the department.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-justice-department-moves-protect-trump-january-6-lawsuits-2025-03-21