Former President Donald Trump is facing legal scrutiny as a federal appeals court in Washington, DC, probes the limits of his broad immunity claim related to the 2020 election. In a video posted on social media before the hearing, Trump threatened to prosecute President Joe Biden if he doesn’t receive immunity himself. The court is examining whether Trump can be charged for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s lawyer argues that presidents are immune from criminal prosecution unless impeached and convicted by Congress.
The three-judge panel at the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit questioned the extent of Trump’s claimed immunity. One judge raised a hypothetical scenario, asking if a president could order actions like assassinations without consequences. Trump’s lawyer argued that a criminal investigation would only be possible after impeachment and conviction by the House and Senate. Critics, including special counsel James Pearce, argued against this interpretation, emphasizing that no former president has claimed immunity extending beyond their time in office.
The appeals court hearing, lasting about 90 minutes, saw skepticism from the judges regarding Trump’s absolute immunity claim. Circuit judge Karen Henderson questioned the paradox of claiming constitutional duty while violating criminal law. The lower court had already ruled that Trump is not entirely immune from prosecution. Trump’s lawyer requested a delay in the decision to allow an appeal to the full D.C. Circuit or the Supreme Court if the court rules against Trump.
In response to the hearing, Trump reiterated his belief in presidential immunity, stating, “I feel that as a president, you have to have immunity, very simple.” He argued that immunity is essential for a president to effectively perform their duties. The legal battle continues as the court deliberates on the boundaries of presidential immunity and its implications for potential criminal charges against a former president.
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