No Immunity for Trump
A US Appeals Court has ruled that, Donald Trump does not have Presidential immunity and can be prosecuted on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election.
In one of his more insane pleas, Trump had claimed that he was immune from criminal charges for acts he said, ‘fell within his duties as President’ – based on, an assumption that, part of his Presidential duties – was to overturn the result of the 2020 election – which he lost to the current President Biden –
But, the 6 February, unanimous ruling in Washington DC struck down that claim, and Trump and his 18 Co-defendants will face forty-one criminal charges in a Washington court from the 15th February.
It is a setback for Mr Trump who has, for years. cited Presidential immunity while battling multiple cases.
Court Ruling:
The three-judge appeals court panel – wrote in its opinion.
“We cannot accept former President Trump’s claim that a President has unbounded authority to commit crimes – that would neutralise the most fundamental check on executive power – such as, the recognition and implementation of election results,”
It added: “For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defences of any other criminal defendant.”
In a statement shortly after the ruling, a Trump campaign spokesman said the former President “respectfully disagrees with the DC Circuit’s decision and will appeal it”. What a surprise!
If an appeal is filed, the case could ultimately go to the Supreme Court where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority. Trump has until 12 February to do so.
One of Trump’s lawyers – was then quoted as saying –
“If immunity is not granted to a President, every future President who leaves office will be immediately indicted by the opposing party.
Without complete immunity, a President of the United States would not be able to properly function.”
My quote – “Any one with half a brain – could then assume – that a serving President who shot dead a political opponent, or (in Trump’s case ) launched bombing missions on Mexico – was immune from any legal action!”
In their desperation – Trump and his allies – are completely losing it.