A US court has ruled that former President Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity and can be prosecuted on charges related to plotting to overturn the 2020 election.
This landmark decision overturns Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal charges for actions he asserted were within his presidential duties.
Court Ruling:
The ruling, issued unanimously in Washington DC, rejects Trump’s immunity claim. The three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit stated, “We cannot accept former President Trump’s claim that a president has unbounded authority to commit crimes that would neutralize the most fundamental check on executive power – the recognition and implementation of election results.”
Impact on Trump
This decision presents a setback for Trump, who has long relied on presidential immunity in legal battles. The court clarified that Trump, as a private citizen, does not enjoy the same protections he had as president: “For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant.”
Trump’s Response
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, stated that Trump “respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuit’s decision and will appeal it.” Cheung also expressed concern about the implications of denying immunity to a former president, suggesting that it could lead to a pattern of immediate indictments by opposing parties for future presidents leaving office.
Potential Supreme Court Appeal
The case could proceed to the Supreme Court, where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority. Trump has until February 12th to file an appeal. Cheung emphasized the importance of complete immunity for a president’s ability to function effectively.
By rejecting Trump’s immunity claim, the court’s decision opens the door for potential prosecution in the case related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
