by Rusty Weiss
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case concerning former President Donald Trump’s claims of presidential immunity.
The Court set an expedited timeline, with arguments beginning the week of April 22. This decision could potentially delay Trump’s trial until after the election.
Special Counsel Jack Smith had urged the court to dismiss Trump’s push for a review of presidential immunity.
The Supreme Court also declined to exercise an option to simply affirm the decision by a three-judge panel D.C. Appeals Court panel against Trump.
In what would be a historic ruling on a hotly-contested topic for some time, the court stated that they would review, “Whether and if so to what extent does a former president enjoy presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office.”
Some further analysis of the Supreme Court's decision to grant certiorari on the Presidential immunity question.
BLUF: I think the Supreme Court is likely to reverse the DC Circuit, and as a result, Trump is very unlikely to face trial in DC or Florida before the election.…
— Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) February 29, 2024
Trump Celebrates Supreme Court Decision To Review Presidential Immunity
By most expert analysis, the decision by the Supreme Court to review the matter of presidential immunity is a win for former President Trump and a significant setback for Smith’s team.
Even if the court were to render a decision quickly and in favor of the special counsel, it now seems highly unlikely that the trial regarding January 6th would be heard, much less resolved, prior to the election in November.
As such, Trump issued a statement on Truth Social celebrating the news.
“Legal Scholars are extremely thankful for the Supreme Court’s Decision today to take up Presidential Immunity,” he said. “Without Presidential Immunity, a President will not be able to properly function, or make decisions, in the best interest of the United States of America.”
BREAKING – PANIC AND TOTAL MELTDOWN ON THE LEFT: Radical left-wing commentator Rachel Maddow (@maddow) calls the Supreme Court's decision to hear the Trump immunity argument in April "B.S." WATCH
NOTE: In case you were paying attention last night, there is a complete meltdown… pic.twitter.com/r3B2Th94Yl
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) February 29, 2024
Trump contends, and actions taken by the administration since President Joe Biden entered the White House concur, that without immunity, this “could actually lead to the extortion and blackmail of a President.”
“The other side would say, ‘If you don’t do something, just the way we want it, we are going to go after you when you leave office, or perhaps even sooner,’” he asserted.
That is exactly how it has played out.
Jack Smith: “Hey, SCOTUS, please decide this issue of presidential immunity and do it fast.”
SCOTUS: “Alright, we’ll take it up and expedite it.”
Libs: “WHY IS THE SUPREME COURT HELPING TRUMP!” https://t.co/65DlXgAtZ0
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) February 29, 2024
Could Well Be Game Over
In another sign that the Supreme Court’s decision to review presidential immunity is a big win for Trump, analysts for left-wing media outlets aren’t exactly covering up their doom and gloom predictions.
Axios found election law expert Rick Hasen, who wrote, “This could well be game over.”
“There’s nothing Trump wants more in this case than a delay. If he wins in November and hasn’t been tried before Inauguration Day, there’s a good chance he never will be,” Axios adds.
Former Justice Department prosecutor and MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann surmised that the Supreme Court might hand Trump another victory.