Donald Trump’s lawyers have initiated a legal challenge, asserting that a sitting president should be shielded from criminal prosecution for any actions carried out while in office. They argue that only Congress should have the power to judge the President, not the courts, even after he leaves the office. The Supreme Court will hear a case on Thursday that will have major implications for Trump’s legal and possibly political future.
In regard to criminal matters, Trump is facing multiple tracks of judicial proceedings simultaneously. While in New York he is being tried in connection to payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels, the Supreme Court will be deliberating on another case related to electoral interference allegations against him in Washington. In addition to these cases, Trump faces two other charges in Florida and Georgia, as well as a number of civil lawsuits and ongoing investigations.
The discussion on presidential immunity is of great significance. A favorable ruling could set aside the Washington case and have implications for the other charges as well. Trump is appealing to a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, hoping for a favorable outcome that would support his claim to immunity. However, in the court of appeals, even a judge appointed by Trump ruled against immunity.
The court is expected to rule on a potentially historic issue surrounding the scope of presidential power. The ruling will significantly impact Trump’s legal battles, including setting a timeline for his trial in Washington. Trump claims that he was trying to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, which he argues was within his presidential duties and thus should grant him immunity. The court’s decision could determine the trial date for Trump, which may have significant implications on future legal proceedings and possibly his political future.
On the other hand, Trump’s lawyers argue that without immunity, former presidents could face a barrage of lawsuits which would hinder their ability to execute their duties free from the threat of criminal prosecution. Trump’s defense team hopes that the court will recognize his immunity claim, while several lower courts have rejected it, rendering important legal grounds for both sides of the courtroom battle.