Trump Claims Removing Presidential Immunity Would Endanger U.S. as Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Arguments

Former President Donald Trump has claimed on his Truth Social platform that removing his presidential immunity would make it impossible for presidents to function properly, putting the United States in great danger. Trump's statements come as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments next Thursday on his immunity from prosecution for alleged election interference charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Trump has argued that if his immunity is taken away, it would also strip President Joe Biden of immunity. He contends that without complete presidential immunity, it would be impossible for a president to properly carry out their duties, asserting that this would put the nation in "great and everlasting danger." The former president maintains that anything short of full immunity would open an incumbent to blackmail from the opposition party, who could threaten indictment once the president leaves office.

However, legal scholars have pointed out that granting such blanket immunity would set a dangerous precedent, allowing presidents to commit any crime or authorize unconstitutional acts while in office without consequence. They note that Trump is the only former president to have been indicted, while his 44 predecessors have escaped this fate.

Why this matters: The Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity could have significant implications for the ability to prosecute a sitting or former president. It will also determine the fate of the criminal case brought against Trump by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Trump faces charges of conspiring to defraud the United States, obstructing an official proceeding, and conspiring to deprive millions of Americans of their right to have their votes counted. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has repeatedly described the case as "political persecution" and "an assault on America." Two lower courts have already ruled against Trump's immunity argument, and the Supreme Court's decision on this novel constitutional question is expected by mid-June.

Key Takeaways

• Trump claims removing his immunity would endanger US, but scholars disagree.
• Supreme Court to hear arguments on Trump's immunity from election interference charges.
• Trump argues immunity is needed for presidents to function, but could set dangerous precedent.
• Trump faces charges of conspiring to defraud US, obstructing proceedings, and depriving votes.
• Supreme Court's decision on Trump's immunity could have significant implications.