Former President Donald Trump is running out of time to convince the Supreme Court that he should not face trial for his role in the 2020 election fraud scheme. Donald Trump’s lawyers have until 4 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 20, to file a response to a petition by Chief Prosecutor Jack Smith, who asked the court to decide whether Trump can claim presidential immunity from the criminal charges against him.
Former President Donald Trump is accused of four counts of conspiracy, obstruction, and violation of civil rights for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election in favor of himself, leading to the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
He is one of the few former presidents to be indicted while seeking another term in office, as he is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and has vowed to fight them in court.
However, Smith argues that the Supreme Court should intervene and resolve the issue of presidential immunity before the case goes through the lengthy appeals process that Trump has planned.
Smith claims that Trump’s claim of immunity is baseless and that he should be held accountable for his actions as a private citizen.
Smith wrote in his brief to the court: “The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case.”
Trump’s lawyers have strongly opposed Smith’s petition, calling it a “brazen attempt to circumvent the normal course of litigation” and a “political stunt” that violates Trump’s constitutional rights.
They contend that Trump acted within his presidential authority and that he is immune from prosecution for his official acts.
They also argue that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction over the case, as it is a matter of state law, not federal law.
The Supreme Court agreed to expedite the consideration of Smith’s petition on December 11, giving Trump a deadline of December 20 to file his response.
The court has not yet indicated whether it will grant or deny Smith’s request, or whether it will schedule oral arguments on the matter.
The court’s decision could have significant implications for the future of Trump’s legal troubles, as well as for the scope and limits of presidential power.
