Justice Department Seeks to Shield Trump in January 6th Lawsuits.

The U.S. Justice Department has moved to substitute itself for former President Donald Trump as the defendant in several civil lawsuits stemming from the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. These lawsuits, filed by police officers and Democratic lawmakers, allege that Trump is responsible for the violence perpetrated by his supporters.

In court filings submitted late Thursday, Justice Department lawyers argued that Trump was acting within the scope of his official duties before and during the riot. They cited a federal law mandating government substitution when federal employees are sued under state laws in their official capacity.

The intervention is limited in scope, applying only to allegations made under local District of Columbia laws. This action does not absolve Trump of potential responsibility under other legal theories and focuses specifically on claims that fall under the purview of federal employee liability. The outcome of this motion will significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing litigation related to the January 6th events.