Overview
- Prosecutors acknowledged in court that only the foreperson and one juror reviewed and signed the revised two-count indictment after a third count failed before the panel.
- U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff ordered briefing on whether the procedure complied with grand jury rules and what that means for the indictment’s validity.
- Defense attorney Michael Dreeben argued the omission means no valid indictment was returned before the statute of limitations expired, urging dismissal.
- The Justice Department countered that the case stems from alleged lies to Congress and obstruction, insisting Lindsey Halligan acted independently and not at the direction of President Trump.
- A magistrate’s order compelling disclosure of grand jury materials is paused on appeal, a separate judge expects to rule on Halligan’s appointment by Thanksgiving, and the Jan. 5, 2026 trial date is in doubt pending these rulings.