This is an argument very similar to that of the Republican tycoon's defense in the criminal case in Washington, which will have a hearing this Tuesday before a federal appeals court that will consider whether or not to admit this accusation.
The two lawsuits are related to Trump's alleged efforts to interfere in the outcome of the 2020 White House election, which he lost to the current president, Democrat Joe Biden.
“The prosecution in this case accuses President Trump of actions that lie at the core of his official responsibilities as president. The charges are contrary to his presidential immunity and must be dismissed,” the lawyers emphasized in the motion filed in Georgia state court.
The defense strategy is the same one that lawyers have insisted on from the start, namely that Trump's actions fall within his duties as president.
In Georgia, Trump and 18 accomplices are accused of forming a criminal organization with the aim of overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.
The surprising allegation of criminal organization is the same one that has been used to dismantle mafia organizations in the past.
Prosecutors want to put Trump in the dock in August 2024, just three months before the new presidential election in which Trump and Biden are running again.
At the heart of this case is the request that Trump made to Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's top election authority, days after the 2020 presidential election, asking him to “find 11,780 votes” that would have taken the state from Biden.
This telephone conversation was recorded and later published.
In addition to the pressure on Raffensperger, prosecutors accuse Trump and his accomplices of trying to persuade Georgia lawmakers to ignore the will of the people expressed in the election and of harassing an election official.
The former president could be sentenced to a maximum of 76.5 years in prison.
Also read: Donald Trump admits blaming Joe Biden when he returns to the White House
All messages. Every minute.
Eighth consecutive year of consumer choice for online press.
Download our free app.