The Republican emphasized that immunity must apply even to acts that “cross a red line.”
US presidents need to be given immunity to make difficult decisions, Trump argued. This necessity is more important than the danger posed by presidents when they break the rules.
Trump wants to run against Democratic incumbent Joe Biden in the November presidential election. According to polls, he has the best chance of being nominated by his party for the election on November 5th. At the same time, Trump is facing four criminal proceedings in the election year.
However, Trump’s lawyers argue that Trump enjoys “absolute immunity” and cannot be prosecuted for actions that fall within his term of office.
At the beginning of December, federal judge Tanya Chutkan rejected Trump’s immunity on the grounds that there is no law that protects an ex-president from criminal prosecution. Trump’s lawyers filed an appeal against their decision, which is now being heard by the federal appeals court.
The appeals court judges in Washington expressed skepticism about the request for immunity. If a decision goes against him, Trump could appeal to the Supreme Court.
“God bless the Supreme Court,” Trump said on Truth Social, emphasizing that he hoped for an “easy decision” from the court.
The start of a trial against Trump in federal court on election manipulation allegations is currently scheduled for March 4, right in the middle of the presidential primaries. However, the trial cannot take place without prior clarification of the immunity issue – which is why it is unclear whether the deadline can be met.
