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An appeals court on Tuesday ruled unanimously that former President Trump does not have immunity from prosecution in the federal 2020 election interference case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith. “For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant,” a three-judge panel wrote. “But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution.” The ruling upholds a U.S. district court’s conclusion that Mr. Trump can face criminal prosecution for his actions while serving as president, which Mr. Trump’s legal team argued risks “chilling” presidential action while in office and “opening the floodgates to meritless and harassing prosecution.” The appeals court disagreed, saying, “Instead of inhibiting the President’s lawful discretionary action, the prospect of federal criminal liability might serve as a structural benefit to deter possible abuses of power and criminal behavior.” The election interference trial was set to begin March 4, but Judge Tanya Chutkan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia indefinitely postponed its start while the appeals court considered the immunity question. Mr. Trump faces four counts in this case, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. The former president has until Monday to appeal the immunity ruling to the Supreme Court, which has no obligation to take up the matter. “If immunity is not granted to a President, every future President who leaves office will be immediately indicted by the opposing party,” Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said in a statement. “Prosecuting a President for official acts violates the Constitution and threatens the bedrock of our Republic. President Trump respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuit’s decision and will appeal it in order to safeguard the Presidency and the Constitution.” #potus #donaldtrump #trump #jan6 #january6th #immunity #cspan
Duration: 0 sPosted : Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:37:33Views
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