Unanimous ruling issued Tuesday, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed former President Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution, as reported by Newsweek on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Trump, who faces charges linked to an alleged scheme to overturn the 2020 election results alongside other legal challenges as he eyes a return to the White House in 2024, saw his argument swiftly dismantled by the appellate judges. They rejected his assertion that the presidency affords him “unbounded authority to commit crimes,” emphasizing that former occupants of the office are not exempt from the law. The judges underscored the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that could disrupt election outcomes and impinge upon citizens’ voting rights.
The former president, currently a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, intends to contest the decision, denouncing it as a “nation-destroying ruling.” He plans to pursue an appeal, either by seeking reconsideration from the full D.C. Circuit court or by directly petitioning the Supreme Court. Notably, the appellate panel has set a deadline of February 12 for Trump to file his appeal with the Supreme Court.
More Read
Legal experts, including Neal Katyal, a former acting solicitor general, express doubt about the likelihood of the high court entertaining Trump’s case. Katyal cites the weakness of Trump’s argument and the thoroughness of the Court of Appeals’ decision as reasons for predicting a dismissal. He notes that the expedited timeline imposed by the appellate panel puts pressure on Trump to swiftly present his case.
Should the Supreme Court decline to hear the appeal, Katyal anticipates that U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan will promptly set a trial date, potentially pausing legal proceedings if the Supreme Court opts to review the case.
Newsweek has sought additional comments from Katyal and a spokesperson for Trump as the legal saga unfolds. The outcome of this high-stakes legal battle carries significant implications not only for Trump’s political prospects but also for the broader understanding of presidential immunity and accountability.
