In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared that U.S. presidents have full immunity from criminal charges for their official acts but not for unofficial acts. This decision has significant implications for former President Donald Trump, whose case has been sent back to the lower courts. The justices left open the question of how far official acts can reach, potentially reshaping the American presidency.
Trump’s immunity claim was escalated to the Supreme Court after lower courts denied his request for protection from federal criminal charges related to the 2020 presidential election. The decision likely means that Trump’s election subversion case will not go to trial before Election Day. The court must now determine whether Trump’s alleged actions to spread false information and overturn election results qualify as official presidential actions.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote that while the president is subject to criminal prosecution for unofficial acts, the Constitution grants him sweeping powers and duties that must be accounted for. The court found Trump’s conversations with Department of Justice officials to be official but left questions about other conduct named in the indictment.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor expressed concern that the decision makes the president immune from criminal prosecution if he misuses his office for personal gain. Trump’s legal team argued that he could not be prosecuted for actions taken while in office and that former presidents cannot be tried unless impeached.
Trump faces charges related to spreading falsehoods, attempting to overturn election results, and inciting the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021. This is a developing story with ongoing updates to come.
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