In a legal maneuver that could shape the trajectory of his upcoming trial, former U.S. President Donald Trump has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a prosecutor’s plea for an expedited review of his immunity claim. The contentious issue revolves around allegations that Trump sought to overturn the 2020 election results, a move federal prosecutors argue constitutes obstruction of Congress and defrauding the U.S. government.
Trump’s legal team contends that the request by U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith to fast-track the Supreme Court’s involvement could disrupt the natural progression of the legal process. The former president, currently a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, faces a trial set for March, with the lower court yet to rule on his immunity claim.
In a court filing, Trump’s attorneys accused Smith of advocating for a hasty decision, urging the Supreme Court to bypass the regular appellate channels, including the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The filing argued against rushing to judgment, emphasizing the need for a measured approach.
Trump’s central argument is rooted in the belief that as a former president, he is shielded from criminal charges related to his official responsibilities. However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed this claim on December 1, prompting Trump to escalate the matter to a Washington-based federal appeals court.
The legal tug-of-war escalated on December 11 when Smith implored the Supreme Court to expedite its ruling to prevent any delays in the trial. Trump’s appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has currently put the trial on hold. Smith asserted in written filings that Trump’s claims are “profoundly mistaken” and that only the Supreme Court can conclusively settle the matter.
With Trump having appointed three of the nine Supreme Court justices, the bench currently maintains a 6-3 conservative majority. The former president insists that the criminal prosecutions against him, including this case, are politically motivated. Trump has entered a not guilty plea to all charges, further entrenching the legal battle in the complex terrain of American politics and jurisprudence.
