- The three judges of the appeal court handed down their verdict on Tuesday
- They said immunity no longer protects Trump from this prosecution
An appeals court ruled Tuesday that former President Donald Trump does not have immunity in a case related to the 2020 presidential election.
“Any executive immunity that may have protected him during his term as president no longer protects him from this prosecution,” the three-judge panel ruled unanimously, dealing a major blow to Attorney General Jack Smith.
In his case, he accuses Trump of using false claims of voter fraud to pressure lawmakers, Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
It is the second time in as many months that judges have rejected Trump's argument that he is immune from prosecution for actions he took while in office and leading up to the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The former president's lawyers argue that he has broad legal protections unless he is impeached and removed from office by Congress.
An appeals court ruled Tuesday that former President Donald Trump does not have immunity in a case related to the 2020 presidential election. He is seen here on January 6, 2021, in the photo giving a speech shortly before his supporters attacked the US Capitol
Trump could still make his claim to the Supreme Court.
It is one of four criminal cases filed last year against the 2024 Republican front-runner.
The case in federal court in Washington is adjourned until February 12 to allow his appeals to be heard.
Trump has long insisted that he enjoys complete immunity for his actions.
“ALL PRESIDENTS MUST HAVE FULL AND COMPLETE PRESIDENTIAL SIMMUNITY OTHERWISE THE AUTHORITY AND DECISION OF A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BE REMOVED AND LOST FOREVER,” he posted in all caps on Truth Social last month.
More to come…