Trump claims presidential immunity. Court agreed to consider his case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to take up the issue of whether former President Trump can be criminally prosecuted for his efforts to overturn his 2020 reelection loss, setting up a historic case that tests the limits of presidential immunity.

The process could take weeks if not months, giving Trump even more time to delay, potentially allowing him to return to the White House and halt the legal proceedings before a jury can hear the case.

On the proposal of Trump's lawyer Jack Smith, the Supreme Court instead decided to consider Trump's immunity claims now, although the judges rejected Smith's initial request to simply stay out of the matter and allow the court proceedings to move forward immediately.

In Washington, D.C., Trump asserts immunity from four federal felony charges that accuse him of conspiring to subvert the 2020 presidential election results, but he has also made similar arguments to defend against his Georgia election interference and classified documents indictments. Trump pleaded not guilty.

Trump reacted to the news on Truth Social, writing that legal scholars are extremely thankful for the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case.

"Without Presidential Immunity, a President will not be able to properly function, or make decisions, in the best interest of the US of America. Presidents will always be concerned, and even paralyzed, by the prospect of wrongful prosecution and retaliation after they leave office. This could actually lead to the extortion and blackmail of a President," Trump wrote.

Accusations against Trump

Earlier, we wrote that Donald Trump was charged in August 2023 with attempting to falsify the elections.

It became known in July of last year that Trump's trial will take place in May 2024, amid the presidential campaign.