The Supreme Court will hear arguments on presidential immunity and whether Trump is immune from Smith’s charges on April 25.
Former President Trump raised concerns about losing his presidential immunity, suggesting that if he loses that protection, President Joe Biden would also be affected.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump, who is expected to run for president again as a Republican nominee, argued that presidential immunity is crucial for the proper functioning of the presidency.
He emphasized the importance of presidential immunity, stating, “Without it, a president wouldn’t be able to do their job effectively, putting the United States in significant and lasting danger!”
Trump asserted that if his presidential immunity is taken away, Biden’s immunity would also be at risk.
The Supreme Court of the United States is set to hear arguments on presidential immunity this Thursday. They will eventually decide whether Trump is shielded from prosecution regarding charges related to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into election interference.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is asserting presidential immunity.
He expressed concerns that without immunity from prosecution, the presidency would diminish in power and prestige and, under certain leaders, might even become powerless.
Trump argued that without presidential immunity, the presidency would be vulnerable to the influence of other branches of government, contrary to the intentions of the country’s founders.
He warned that without immunity, the opposing party could exploit and pressure the president during their term by threatening indictments for actions taken while in office, even if those actions were legal and appropriate.
Trump emphasized that the loss of immunity would fundamentally change the presidency and the country, presenting numerous traps for a president.
Referring to his predecessors, including Biden, Trump claimed they would all face significant trouble without immunity.
He asserted that without immunity, a president would become merely ceremonial, lacking the courage to act decisively for the country’s benefit.
Trump concluded by advocating for the preservation of presidential immunity, urging to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”.
Trump reiterated that without presidential immunity, every outgoing president would face immediate indictment by the opposing party.
He emphasized once more that without complete immunity, a US president would be unable to effectively carry out their duties.
Trump shared his thoughts on the matter on his Truth Social platform while attending his criminal trial in a New York City courtroom. The trial, now in its fourth day, stems from charges filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg last year. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, Trump and his legal team attempted to postpone proceedings until after the Supreme Court ruled on presidential immunity, scheduled for April 25. However, their request was denied.
Trump is required to attend his criminal trial every day, except Wednesdays and Monday, April 29. The trial, expected to continue until early June, takes place in a New York City courtroom.
Despite Trump and his legal team’s argument that he should be allowed to attend the Supreme Court arguments on immunity next Thursday, Judge Juan Merchan denied the request.
Merchan emphasized the importance of the trial in the New York Supreme Court and stated that Trump must be present.
The Supreme Court has announced it will expedite the appeal process, with a ruling on presidential immunity anticipated by mid-June.
Trump’s criminal trial, involving charges filed by Smith, has been postponed until the matter is resolved. Smith charged the former president with various offenses, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding, stemming from investigations into Trump’s alleged involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6 and any interference in the 2020 election.
Trump entered a plea of not guilty to all charges in August.
This marks the second time this term that the Supreme Court will hear a case involving the presumed Republican presidential nominee.
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the 2024 presumptive Republican nominee in a challenge to Colorado’s attempt to remove him from the 2024 primary ballot. This ruling impacts similar efforts in other states seeking to remove the likely GOP nominee from their ballots.
The case marked the court’s first consideration of Article 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who engaged in insurrection from holding public office again. Challenges to remove Trump from the 2024 ballot have been filed in over 30 states.