The recent US Supreme Court ruling regarding Donald Trump’s immunity from prosecution for his official acts while president unsettles a major criminal case against him and seems to ensure that he will not face trial before the 5 November election. The decision, split 6-3 along ideological lines, grants former presidents immunity from prosecution for actions within their presidential duties, but not for private acts.
This ruling raises the stakes for prosecutors, who must prove that Trump’s actions were not official in order to proceed with the case. Furthermore, any evidence related to official actions, for which Trump is immune, cannot be used for charging him with another crime.
Liberal justices expressed concerns that the ruling allows presidents to use their powers to break the law without consequence. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that this interpretation could enable a president to engage in criminal activities without fear of prosecution.
Overall, the ruling significantly diminishes the likelihood of Trump facing trial before the election, presenting fresh obstacles for prosecutors and raising questions about accountability for presidents’ actions.