Former President Donald Trump faces renewed controversy following a significant legal setback, where a three-judge appeals panel denied him absolute immunity from criminal charges, as reported by Raw Story on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Critics, dubbing him “citizen Trump,” accuse him of pushing false narratives, asserting that the ruling weakens the presidency.
During a recent appearance on MSNBC’s “The Last Word” with Lawrence O’Donnell, former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade offered insights, stating that the appeals court’s decision was not surprising. She emphasized that the court simply reaffirmed existing law, contrary to Trump’s claims.
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Despite the setback, Trump took to Truth Social to assert his innocence and condemn the decision, pledging to appeal. He argued that denying presidential immunity could result in extortion and blackmail, suggesting that without immunity, presidents could face unjust indictments for actions taken while in office.
Trump warned of severe consequences for the presidency and the country if such immunity were not maintained. Additionally, he passed judgment on former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Biden, accusing them of wrongdoing and insinuating they would be imprisoned if held accountable.
McQuade swiftly refuted Trump’s claims, labeling them as disinformation intended to deceive the public. She highlighted Trump’s pattern of spreading misinformation, emphasizing that the court’s decision merely affirmed that presidents are not above the law and can be held accountable for criminal acts.
Trump’s previous social media declaration asserting total immunity for presidential acts further underscored his resistance to the idea of presidential accountability. McQuade reiterated that Trump’s interpretation is flawed, as it contradicts the fundamental principle that no one, including the president, is exempt from legal consequences for their actions.
In contrast to Trump’s assertions, McQuade reaffirmed the long-standing understanding that presidents are subject to the law like any other citizen. She emphasized that Trump’s attempts to depict the court’s decision as unprecedented and detrimental to the presidency are misleading and aimed at manipulating public perception.
Ultimately, McQuade cautioned against falling for Trump’s rhetoric, urging the public to recognize his disinformation tactics and understand that presidential accountability is essential for upholding the rule of law.
Trump’s efforts to sow doubt about the legal system and presidential accountability, she argued, must be seen for what they are: attempts to evade accountability and undermine the integrity of the justice system.
