Supreme Court to Rule on Trump's Immunity from Criminal Charges in Election Interference Case

The Supreme Court has agreed to rule on whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal charges in his federal election interference case.

The high court granted Trump's request to pause the case from moving forward until they decide whether an ex-president is immune from being prosecuted for official acts performed while in office, as Trump claims.

Timeline for Proceedings

The justices are poised to proceed quickly, with Trump's court briefs due within three weeks and oral arguments set for the week of April 22. However, it could take months for the court to issue an opinion.

Potential Impact on the Presidential Campaign

If the justices rule against Trump, the case would continue in Washington, D.C. federal court — and it could head to trial in the middle of the presidential campaign, where Trump seeks to beat President Joe Biden. If the justices rule in Trump's favor, the case will be dismissed.

Extension on Prior Ruling

The decision to take up the immunity claim extends a pause on a prior ruling from a lower appeals court, which roundly rejected Trump's argument that he cannot be prosecuted for challenging the 2020 election results because he was president at the time.

Special Counsel's Perspective

Special counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting Trump in D.C., had urged the Supreme Court not to let Trump delay the election interference case any further.