The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Thursday that could determine whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in favor of President Joe Biden. Trump is facing four criminal indictments, including charges of conspiring to interfere with the election results.
The key question before the Supreme Court is whether a former president enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken during their time in office. This is uncharted territory for the court, as no president has ever faced criminal charges after leaving office. Trump’s lawyers argue that denying immunity would incapacitate future presidents, while the prosecution argues that criminal law applies to the president and that Trump’s actions are unprecedented.
The case has significant implications for the upcoming election, as the trial for election interference is scheduled to begin soon. If the court rules in favor of immunity, the trial may be delayed, potentially preventing critical evidence from being heard before the public. The outcome of the case could also impact Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming election.
The Supreme Court’s decision could range from outright rejection of the immunity claim to a ruling that Trump’s actions do not fall under official acts. The court may also send the case back to the lower court to determine which actions constitute official acts. Ultimately, the decision could have far-reaching consequences for future presidents and the accountability of those who hold the highest office in the land.