In what some are calling a ‘partial win’ for President Donald Trump, the US Supreme Court ruled that former presidents do hold immunity from federal prosecution but only for official acts of the presidency.
BIG WIN. @Jim_Jordan [1]’s statement on Trump v. United States #SCOTUS [2] decision: pic.twitter.com/cxCSeKOmFz [3]
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) July 1, 2024 [4]
It then sent the case back to the lower court to determine which allegations against President Trump constituted unofficial acts and would therefore not be immune from prosecution. This case was brought against the former Republican president in relation to accusations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. It was one of four criminal cases made against him.
All eyes have been on the case, not just for its possible impact on the upcoming presidential election but also on the extent of the president’s powers going forward. In April, Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighted the significance of the case, stating, “We’re writing a rule for the ages.”
The Supreme Court verdict has had mixed reactions: while it does affirm that former presidents are immune from federal prosecution, they are not immune from the law when it comes to unofficial acts. The court has directed Judge Tanya Chutkan to review the indictment against Trump and distinguish which are official and thus protected by immunity, and which are unofficial and therefore not. With this decision, it appears that the final verdict on the matter is still to be determined.
pic.twitter.com/JWeZkTrNKm [5]
— Jason Miller (@JasonMillerinDC) July 1, 2024 [6]
If you thought Obama wanted Biden out before, he must be FURIOUS right now lol
Incoming poll spike for Trump! pic.twitter.com/yJ4wkK4sW7 [7]
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) July 1, 2024 [8]
…No protection for unofficial acts. So the issue is whether what constitutes official acts. It is a very for Trump in the sense that the Court rejected the lower court and recognizes some immunity. That will further delay the lower court proceedings, but Trump will have to…
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) July 1, 2024 [9]