Former President Donald Trump celebrated a big win as the US Supreme Court ruled on Monday July 1 that he has partial immunity in his election interference case.
In a 6-3 vote along partisan lines, justices decided to reject Trump’s broad claim of immunity but affirmed that he is entitled to substantial immunity from prosecution for some actions taken while president.
‘Big win for our Constitution and democracy, Proud to be an American,” wrote Trump in all capital letters on his Truth Social platform.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority stated that Trump enjoys presumptive immunity for his actions while serving as president.
This includes potential prosecution related to his interactions with Vice President Mike Pence leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot.
“The president is not above the law, But Congress may not criminalize the president’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch under the Constitution.” wrote Roberts.
According to Roberts, lower courts must undertake further proceedings to ascertain which actions the former president can face prosecution for.
The ruling poses an additional challenge for special counsel Jack Smith, who is handling the election interference case.
Supreme Court also determined that any conduct Trump has immunity for cannot be admitted as evidence in the upcoming trial.
It almost certainly will delay Trump’s election interference trial until after the 2024 election.
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