Trump Celebrates ‘Big Win’ as Court Rules He Has Some Immunity in Election Interference Case

Former President Donald Trump claimed a ‘big win’ as the US Supreme Court ruled he had some immunity in his election interference case.

Justices, in a 6-3 vote along partisan lines, rejected Trump’s broad immunity claim. Still, they said he is entitled to substantial immunity from prosecution for some of his actions while president.

“Big win for our Constitution and democracy,” wrote Trump in all capital letters on his Truth Social platform. “Proud to be an American.”

The ruling means that the election interference trial against ex-President Donald Trump will most likely be delayed until after the November election (Picture: AP)

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority that Trump has at least presumptive immunity for his acts while serving as president. This includes interactions with Vice President Mike Pence leading to the January 6 Capitol riot. “The president is not above the law,” wrote Roberts. “But Congress may not criminalize the president’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch under the Constitution.”

According to Roberts, lower courts must conduct further proceedings to determine which actions the ex-president can be prosecuted for.

The ruling adds another challenge for special counsel Jack Smith, who prosecutes the election interference case. The high court also ruled that conduct for which Trump has immunity cannot be included as evidence in the impending trial.

This decision will almost certainly delay Trump’s election interference trial until after the 2024 election.