Judge Sabotages Trump Again
A Wisconsin judge has delayed a preliminary hearing in a high-profile legal case involving former aides to President Donald Trump, adding another twist to ongoing disputes connected to the 2020 presidential election.
The case centers on felony forgery charges filed by Wisconsin’s Department of Justice against three individuals who worked with or advised Trump’s 2020 campaign. The delay raises new legal questions about what evidence prosecutors are allowed to present and highlights growing concerns among conservatives about fairness in politically sensitive cases.
Judge Orders Review of Prosecutor Evidence
Dane County Circuit Judge John Hyland ruled Monday that the court should first determine whether statements made by one defendant, attorney Ken Chesebro, can be used at trial. Chesebro previously spoke with investigators, and his legal team argues those comments should not be admitted without further review.
Prosecutors insist Chesebro spoke voluntarily and was not granted immunity. However, Judge Hyland said holding a separate evidentiary hearing to clarify the issue may be necessary before moving forward.
The ruling represents a setback for the state Department of Justice, which had sought to proceed immediately.
Three Trump-Connected Figures Face Felony Charges
Chesebro is one of three defendants charged with 11 felony counts each related to Wisconsin’s 2020 elector controversy. The other two defendants are:
- Jim Troupis, who served as President Trump’s campaign attorney in Wisconsin
- Mike Roman, Trump’s director of Election Day operations in 2020
While Chesebro’s hearing was postponed, preliminary hearings for Troupis and Roman continued.
Allegations Center on Elector Paperwork
State prosecutors allege the defendants misled Republican electors about paperwork they signed following the 2020 election. According to the complaint, investigators claim the documents were part of a plan to submit alternate elector certificates to then–Vice President Mike Pence.
However, several of the electors later told investigators they believed the documents were only meant to preserve legal options in the event that courts overturned the election results in Wisconsin. None of the electors themselves have been charged.
The defendants have repeatedly stated that no crime occurred and argue their actions were lawful and intended to protect election integrity during ongoing legal challenges.
Defense Alleges Bias in Dane County Court
The case has also sparked controversy over judicial impartiality. Last week, Troupis requested that Judge Hyland step aside and that the case be moved to another county, claiming political bias within the Dane County court system.
Judge Hyland rejected the motion, stating he authored prior rulings himself and that the defense presented no evidence supporting claims of bias. He refused to delay the case further or recuse himself.
Calls for Federal Review
Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review allegations surrounding the handling of the case, citing concerns about transparency and equal application of the law.
The charges were filed in 2024 by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat. They remain the only criminal charges brought in Wisconsin related to the 2020 election. Similar cases in other battleground states have stalled or been dismissed, though one case in Nevada is still ongoing.
Political Stakes Remain High
President Trump narrowly lost Wisconsin in 2020 but won the state in both 2016 and 2024, underscoring its importance in national elections and the continued scrutiny of how the 2020 race was handled.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to remain a focal point for voters concerned about election integrity, prosecutorial overreach, and the growing role of courts in political disputes.
