The United States’ top court has rejected prosecutor Jack Smith’s request to expedite the review of former President Donald Trump’s claim of immunity for his actions to overturn the 2020 election. The Supreme Court declined the request on Friday and sent it back to a lower court for further review. This decision comes as Trump faces multiple legal challenges related to his efforts to seize office after the 2020 election.
A recent ruling by a Colorado court disqualified Trump from appearing on the state’s ballot in the 2024 election due to his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol. Trump argues that he should be immune from charges related to his actions to overturn the 2020 election, citing immunity for former presidents. Prosecutor Jack Smith alleges that Trump obstructed Congress and defrauded the US government in his efforts to reject the will of the voters.
Despite findings from a Congressional panel that Trump’s claims of election fraud were baseless, Trump remains popular within the Republican Party and is a strong contender to challenge President Joe Biden in the 2024 election. In a separate ruling, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan stated that Trump is not immune from prosecution for his election-related actions. This decision was quickly appealed by Trump and his trial is currently on hold pending the appeal.
Special Counselor Smith petitioned the Supreme Court to review the case and expedite the trial, but the court declined the request on Friday and sent it back to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which has indicated that it will handle the matter swiftly.