Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows’ attempt to have his Georgia criminal case moved to federal court has been rejected by a federal judge, which could be a setback for former President Donald Trump as well. US District Judge Steve Jones found that the allegations against Meadows in the Fulton County district attorney’s indictment were primarily related to political activities and not his role as chief of staff. The ruling has implications for Trump and his 18 co-defendants, who are facing charges in the racketeering case. Meadows argued that the case should be moved to federal court because the allegations were connected to his official duties, but the judge disagreed. Meadows has appealed the ruling. Jones ruled that Meadows’ actions, including his participation in a phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, were not within the scope of his federal role as an executive branch officer. The judge’s decision could have an impact on the other defendants seeking to move their cases to federal court.