In the ongoing legal battle surrounding the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump is fighting off the possibility of a trial by arguing for presidential immunity. His attorneys argued in various filings, claiming that he should be immune from prosecution for actions he took while in office.
According to Trump’s legal team, subjecting former presidents to criminal prosecution for their official actions would weaken the presidency. However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed this argument, stating that it would essentially give former presidents a “get-out-of-jail-free” pass for life.
The outcome of the legal proceedings in the next few weeks will determine whether Trump will have to face a trial in relation to the 2020 election. Despite facing four simultaneous criminal prosecutions, the federal election case has progressed the fastest, and Judge Chutkan has consistently denied his motions.
The last ruling from Judge Chutkan is the final one Trump can appeal before the scheduled start of his trial in March. Legal experts believe that the appeal process could potentially delay the trial significantly.
However, despite the potential for delay, the appeals court and Supreme Court could move to quickly resolve the case. Trump’s return to the presidency could potentially shield him from the charges or allow him to pardon himself in the federal cases, or prevent the state cases from going to trial.
The trial is set to take place on March 4, ahead of the Super Tuesday presidential primary election. Upon the filing of the appeal, a Trump campaign spokesperson stated that the former president has “absolute immunity” from prosecution for carrying out his duties.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to schedule dates for written briefs and oral arguments, and the special counsel’s office must respond to the Trump appeal. Trump’s lawyers have indicated that they are prepared to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
In addition to the federal election case, Trump faces charges in Florida, Georgia, and New York, and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
It’s still unclear how this legal battle will unfold, but the outcome is pivotal for Trump’s future and potential run for the presidency in 2024. With the ongoing legal battles, the former president’s political aspirations and future legal implications hang in the balance.
