US Supreme Court Considers Trump’s Request for Immunity from Prosecution

The Supreme Court is facing a crucial test of presidential power on Thursday as it considers Donald Trump’s request for immunity from prosecution for his actions related to the investigation of election integrity in 2020.

Trump, who is currently running for president as a Republican against Democrat Joe Biden, is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. The justices will hear his appeal after lower courts rejected his claim of immunity from the four election-related criminal charges brought against him.

In addition to this case, Trump is also facing three other criminal cases, including one in New York for falsifying business records in connection to a payment made to silence Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Despite these legal battles, Trump will not be present at the Supreme Court arguments as he will be in a Manhattan courtroom for a separate trial.

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority, which includes three justices appointed by Trump, will decide on this case. The court has already ruled in Trump’s favor earlier this year by overturning a decision that excluded him from Colorado’s ballot over his role in the January 6 Capitol attack.

Following the indictment in August 2023, Trump’s lawyers argue that a former president should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. However, special counsel Jack Smith argues that no one is above the law and Trump should not be immune from prosecution.

The Supreme Court’s decision on the immunity claim is expected by the end of June, potentially affecting the timing of Trump’s trial and the upcoming election. Critics fear that if Trump regains the presidency, he could use his power to end the prosecution or pardon himself for any federal crimes.

Trump also faces legal challenges in Georgia and Florida related to election integrity and classified documents, respectively.

Report by Newsmax writer Eric Mack and Reuters.