Ex-US President Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court to suspend a lower court ruling that denies him presidential immunity from prosecution.
His claim, based on the election interference case, asserts that he cannot be tried for acts carried out during his presidency. However, three lower court judges disagreed, ruling that he can be prosecuted like any other citizen.
Trump’s attorneys argue that conducting a months-long criminal trial of the former president during the height of election season would significantly disrupt his ability to campaign against President Biden. The Supreme Court will now decide whether to put the ruling on hold, allowing Trump to appeal.
If the conservative-majority top court grants the request, it could lead to a lengthy delay in the landmark criminal case. This case alleges that Trump illegally plotted to overturn the 2020 election, possibly postponing proceedings until after the November election.
Should the Supreme Court decline to pause the ruling, the federal trial overseen by Judge Tanya Chutkan will likely be scheduled for spring.
In addition to this trial, Trump faces three other criminal cases:
- Georgia Charges: Alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
- Florida Indictment: Seven-count indictment related to handling classified documents after leaving the White House.
- New York Case: Alleged concealment of a payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s legal team has repeatedly sought to delay his criminal trials until after the 2024 election.
