Washington – Former President Donald Trump is set to make his first appearance in months at the federal courthouse in Washington as an appeals court hears arguments on whether he is immune from prosecution for charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The outcome of the case has significant implications not only for Trump’s criminal proceedings but also for the broader question of whether an ex-president can face prosecution for actions taken while in office. The decision may also pave the way for further appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court in the future, despite the court’s previous refusal to intervene in the matter.
The special counsel in the case, Jack Smith, and his team are eager to proceed to trial before the November election, and a swift decision from the appeals court is crucial. However, Trump’s lawyers are seeking to have the case dismissed and are also hoping to benefit from a lengthy appeals process that could delay the trial beyond its scheduled start date in March. Trump’s lawyers have filed a similar motion in another criminal case against him in Georgia.
Despite there being no requirement for defendants to appear in person for these proceedings, Trump plans to attend the arguments, perhaps to portray himself as a victim of a politicized justice system. He has already expressed his view that he was entitled to immunity as the President of the United States and Commander in Chief, claiming that he was searching for voter fraud and running the country. However, previous presidents have enjoyed immunity from lawsuits for actions taken as part of their official duties, and the question of whether this protection extends to criminal prosecution has never been addressed by the courts.
Smith’s team argues that presidents are not entitled to absolute immunity and that Trump’s alleged acts, which include attempting to enlist fake electors in battleground states won by President Joe Biden and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to reject the counting of electoral votes, fall outside the purview of official job duties. They contend that granting immunity from criminal prosecution to a president who engages in such conduct poses a dangerous threat to the presidency and the democratic system.
The case is being argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and the panel has signaled its intention to work swiftly. Both prosecutors and defense lawyers have been asked to submit briefs within tight deadlines. The three judges hearing the case include two appointees of President Biden and one appointed by former President George H.W. Bush.
The appeals court’s ruling will determine the future of Trump’s criminal case and set a precedent for the prosecution of ex-presidents. It remains to be seen how quickly the panel will issue a decision, but its outcome could impact the timing of the trial and ultimately influence the November election. Trump also faces several other criminal cases in state and federal courts, but the Washington case is scheduled to go to trial first.