The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to expedite a decision on former President Donald Trump’s claim of immunity in the case related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. This decision allows a lower court to continue its review of the matter.
Former President Donald Trump, currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is facing accusations of attempting to obstruct Congress and defraud the U.S. government in his efforts to reverse President Joe Biden’s election victory.
The Supreme Court justices rejected a request by U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith to bypass a lower appeals court and fast-track a final ruling on Trump’s claim of criminal immunity. Prosecutors argue that Trump, as a former president, should be held accountable for his actions.
Trump contends that the case should be dismissed, asserting that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for actions related to their official responsibilities. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected this claim on December 1, leading to Trump’s appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The appeal has temporarily suspended the trial, originally scheduled for March.
In an attempt to avoid further delays to Trump’s trial, Special Counsel Jack Smith urged the Supreme Court on December 11 to expedite a ruling, despite the ongoing proceedings in the D.C. Circuit court.
Trump’s legal team opposed Smith’s request, characterizing it as a “rush to decide the issues with reckless abandon.” The Supreme Court’s decision not to fast-track the case means the normal appellate process will continue.
Notably, if Trump were to be reelected in 2024, he could potentially seek to pardon himself for any federal crimes. Three of the nine Supreme Court justices were appointed by Trump, solidifying a 6-3 conservative majority on the bench.
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