The Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump has immunity for some conduct related to his role as president in a federal election interference case, but not all actions are protected. The ruling presents a challenge for special counsel Jack Smith to take the case to trial. Chief Justice John Roberts stated that further proceedings are needed to determine which of Trump’s actions can be prosecuted. The indictment accuses Trump of pressuring the Justice Department and Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 election results. The court determined that some of Trump’s actions related to his core duties are protected, such as his contacts with Justice Department officials. The case highlights the limits of presidential power and whether a former president can be prosecuted for actions in office. The dissenting liberal justices voiced concerns that the ruling could shield presidents from criminal acts and threaten democracy. Despite the ruling, the trial is unlikely to conclude before Election Day, with potential delays in the proceedings. The case underscores the unprecedented legal question of whether a former president has immunity for official acts, based on the principle of separation of powers. Trump’s team argues there is no broad immunity for former presidents, while Smith maintains that criminal acts committed in office are not protected. The indictment accuses Trump of conspiring to overturn the election results by submitting fake certificates to Congress, leading up to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Trump has pled not guilty to the charges, which are one of four criminal cases he is facing.
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Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump, granting him immunity for certain acts in election interference indictment
