Special Counsel Pushes Back Against Trump’s Claim of Immunity from Prosecution
In a new court filing, special counsel Jack Smith has responded to former President Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal prosecution, calling it a threat to the democratic and constitutional foundation of the United States.
The filing, which came ahead of oral arguments before a US appeals court in Washington DC, argued that Trump’s claim “threatens to license Presidents to commit crimes to remain in office.” This comes in the federal election subversion case where Trump has pleaded not guilty to four counts, including conspiring to defraud the United States and to obstruct an official proceeding.
According to the filing, Trump’s claim of immunity for any crimes committed while he was in the White House would be dangerous and would grant immunity from criminal prosecution to a President who accepts a bribe, orders the National Guard to murder his critics, or sells nuclear secrets to a foreign adversary.
“The implications of the defendant’s broad immunity theory are sobering,” the filing stated. “That approach would grant immunity from criminal prosecution to a President who engages in foreign diplomacy or communicates with the Department of Justice.”
The special counsel’s office urged the court to affirm and issue the mandate expeditiously to ensure a prompt resolution of the case.
This development marks another chapter in the legal battles surrounding Trump’s presidency, as he continues to challenge legal rulings and investigations relating to his time in office. As the case heads to the appeals court, all eyes will be on the decision and its potential implications for the future of presidential immunity and accountability.