Jack Smith, the special counsel, stressed that speed was in the public interest, pushing back against former President Donald J. Trump’s request that the court pause an appeals court ruling.
The filing by Jack Smith was the latest volley in a battle over the timing of the case accusing the former president of plotting to overturn the 2020 election.
An appeals court will hear arguments on Tuesday over the former president’s attempt to shut down the federal election case. Much is riding on how — and how quickly — the issue is decided.
The former president’s lawyers sought to have Jack Smith and two deputies explain why they should not be held in contempt of court for taking new steps in the case after it was put on hold.