Trump's Claim for Total Presidential Immunity Stirs Controversy
Critics argue Trump's stance endorses dictatorship, while supporters see it as necessary for presidential function.
Overview
- Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, awaits an appeals court ruling on whether he has presidential immunity protection in his federal election interference case.
- Trump has argued that presidents should be immune to criminal prosecution, even for acts that 'cross the line'. Critics argue this is an endorsement for a strongman-style dictatorship.
- Trump's lawyers have continued to argue that the charges filed against him should be dismissed because he had presidential immunity while in office.
- Trump could use pardon power to protect himself and others if he wins the White House this year, according to former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann.
- Trump's argument for total immunity is seen as an explicit argument against the way rule of law is meant to operate in a democratic society.