Donald Trump doubles in his bid for immunity as his Supreme Court showdown looms.
In fiery briefs filed this week, the former president argues aggressively that sitting leaders cannot be prosecuted for official acts. He paints it as an existential threat that would compromise the Oval Office.
Trump faces conspiracy charges over his bold bid to overturn the 2020 election results and remain in power unlawfully. Special Counsel Jack Smith is aggressively pursuing the case of subverting democracy.
But Trump fires back that threats of prosecution amount to “de facto blackmail and extortion” against any commander-in-chief.
He says America’s interests demand the chief executive be unconstrained from criminal liability during tenure.
Come April, the high court – including three Trump appointees – will weigh these explosive claims. Their decision could offer sweeping protection or expose Trump to unprecedented accountability as a former president.
It’s a high-stakes showdown that once more thrusts the judiciary into the political maelstrom. And it comes as Trump campaigns to regain the Oval Office, potentially shielding himself from prosecution through pardon or dropping charges.
American elections and presidential powers hang in the balance as legal teams square off.
