Former President Donald Trump claimed a ‘big win’ as the US Supreme Court ruled that he has some immunity in his election interference case.
Justices in a 6-3 vote along partisan lines decided to reject Trump’s broad claim of immunity but said he is entitled to substantial immunity from prosecution for some of his actions while president.
‘Big win for our Constitution and democracy,’ wrote Trump in all capital letters on his Truth Social platform. ‘Proud to be an American.’
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said that Trump has at least presumptive immunity for his acts while serving as president.
That includes Trump being prosecuted for interactions with Vice President Mike Pence leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot, said Roberts.
‘The president is not above the law,’ wrote Roberts. ‘But Congress may not criminalize the president’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch under the Constitution.’
Lower courts must conduct further proceedings to determine which actions the ex-president can be prosecuted for, according to Roberts.
The ruling adds another challenge for special counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting the election interference case. The high court also ruled that conduct that Trump has immunity for cannot be included as evidence in the impending trial.
It almost certainly will delay Trump’s election interference trial until after the 2024 election.
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