Trump's Legal Team Argues for Immunity in Election Meddling Case

Former President Donald Trump's legal team has filed a late-night appeal asserting that Trump should be immune from prosecution over his actions related to the 2020 election. They argue that Trump's efforts to investigate alleged election fraud and irregularities were within his duties as Chief Executive and thus should protect him from prosecution. The appeal comes after a federal appeals court rejected a similar argument earlier this month. The court has set a date for arguments on this issue, while the Supreme Court has declined to expedite a decision on the immunity question. Trump's lawyers claim that all of the actions Trump is accused of, including pressuring the Justice Department to investigate voter fraud and contacting state election officials about alleged irregularities, were part of his official duties as president. They also argue that Trump cannot be criminally prosecuted for conduct for which he was previously impeached and acquitted by Congress. In contrast, federal prosecutors allege that Trump engaged in unlawful activities after the election to disrupt the certification of the electoral votes. The legal battle is intensifying as both sides present their arguments to the appeals court. The court, with a three-judge panel, will decide whether to uphold or overturn the previous rejection of Trump's immunity claim. The case is scheduled for trial on March 4, pending the court's decision.