 |
| EFE |
The justices' order puts on hold preparations for a trial focused on Trump's efforts to overturn his electoral defeat. At the same time, they said they would hear arguments in late April, with a decision likely before the end of June.
But even with a much faster schedule than usual, the court's decision casts doubt on whether a trial for Trump can be scheduled and concluded, assuming the justices deny his request for immunity, before the November elections.
More: Biden's doctor was satisfied with the results of his annual physical, says White House spokeswoman
The court said in an unsigned statement that it will consider "whether a former president enjoys presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct that allegedly involves official acts during his term and, if so, to what extent."
The Supreme Court has previously held that presidents are immune from civil liability for official acts, and Trump's lawyers have argued for months that this protection should also extend to criminal prosecution.
Lower courts have so far rejected Trump's new assertion that former presidents enjoy absolute immunity for actions that fall within the scope of their official duties. An appellate panel in Washington ruled this month that District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who would preside over the election interference trial, was right to say that the case could go forward and that Trump could be prosecuted for actions taken while he was in the White House and at the start of January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
The matter reached the highest court because the appeals court refused to grant the stay that Trump has requested.
The case is separate from the court's consideration of Trump's appeal to remain on the presidential ballot despite attempts to oust him for the maneuvers he made after his electoral defeat in 2020. During the arguments on February 8, it seemed likely that the court would rule in favor of Trump. The decision could come at any time.
The highest court will also hear an appeal in April from one of the more than 1,200 people charged for the Capitol riots. The case could derail the prosecution's charge against more than 300 people, including Trump.
The election interference case of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith in Washington is one of four proceedings that Trump faces as he tries to return to the White House.