The US Supreme Court has rejected the request for a fast-tracked hearing on former President Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity, potentially postponing his trial related to alleged interference in the 2020 election. Special Counsel Jack Smith sought expedited consideration, bypassing the federal court of appeals, but the Supreme Court declined without providing reasons.
Trump, a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is set for trial on March 4, 2024. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed his immunity plea, stating that a former president doesn’t have a perpetual “get-out-of-jail-free” card.
Appeals Court Set for January 9
With the Supreme Court’s refusal, the appeals court is now slated to hear the case first, possibly complicating the March trial date. Law professor Carl Tobias suggests this departure from previous fast-track agreements is puzzling.
The appeals court hearing is scheduled for January 9, and its decision is anticipated to reach the Supreme Court by June. Trump expressed eagerness to present his case to the appeals court, asserting Presidential Immunity on his Truth Social platform, where he reiterated unfounded claims of election victory.
M10news report Trump’s legal team intends to petition the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a Colorado court decision barring him from the state’s Republican primary ballot, citing his alleged role in inciting the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
The Supreme Court has already agreed to hear a challenge to a law underpinning one of the charges against Trump related to the Capitol attack. Apart from charges in Washington, Trump faces election-related allegations in Georgia and accusations of mishandling top-secret documents in Florida, post his White House tenure.
Despite impeachment in the House for “incitement of insurrection” following the Capitol attack, Trump was acquitted by the Senate.
