Nineteen ex-GOP lawmakers urgently appealed to the Supreme Court to end Donald Trump’s “immunity” claim.
Lawmakers Warn
The group of 19 ex-Republican Congress members included, among others, Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Steve Bartlett (R-TX), Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Charlie Dent (R-PA), David Jolly (R-FL), Joe Walsh (R-IL).
Ex-Congress Members Raise Alarm
“As former members of Congress, all of us Republicans, we dedicated ourselves to upholding this principle,” they stated in an open letter published in The Bulwark.
“And we are now deeply concerned that former President Donald Trump’s response to the ongoing criminal prosecutions against him are testing it — requiring the U.S. Supreme Court to act swiftly to meet the moment.”
Can Trump “Escape Accountability”
They further wrote, “In no case is this more true than in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s prosecution of Trump for his attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. In this case, the federal courts are confronted with Trump’s gambit to escape accountability altogether: assert an unprecedented claim of absolute presidential immunity from criminal prosecution and use the appellate process to delay the trial until after the November election.”
“Extraordinary” Trump Cases
“We recognize that the Supreme Court is now facing the prospect of multiple extraordinary cases involving the former president, including one raising critical questions about whether he is constitutionally disqualified from holding office again,” the 19 former Republican representatives wrote.
“This moment in our history demands that the Court rise to the occasion. If necessary, it can and should decide both questions — whether Trump may appear on the ballot in the upcoming election as well whether he is subject to criminal prosecution — as quickly as possible.”
Legal or Unfounded Argument?
They concluded, “As alumni of the legislative branch, we understand that it is the courts’ constitutional role to decide what the law is and whether or not Trump’s argument that he is immune from prosecution is correct.”
“We are not persuaded that the argument has any basis in law or history, but whatever the answer, we urge the Supreme Court to proceed with haste so that Trump can be tried if need be, or released from the burdens of a trial if not.”
Trump Seeks Immunity
At the time, Donald Trump and his attorneys were asking the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to grant him immunity from criminal charges related to his conduct in the 2020 election, arguing they occurred while he was in office. The appeals court denied this, prompting Trump to seek relief from the Supreme Court.
A “Frightening Future” Ahead?
Special counsel attorney James Pearce, addressing queries regarding Trump’s indictment, described the possibility of granting a president complete immunity as an “extraordinarily frightening future.”
Troubling Scenario Expected
“I mean, what kind of world are we living in?” Pearce questioned. “If, as I understood my friend on the other side to say here, a president orders a SEAL team to assassinate a political rival and resigned, for example before an impeachment, it’s not a criminal act. I think that is extraordinarily frightening future.”
Most Americans Oppose Trump’s Immunity
A CBS News/YouGov poll reveals that most Americans believe former President Trump should not be granted immunity for his actions while in office. The poll shows 64% against presidential immunity for Trump, with 36% in favor. Among those supporting immunity, 69% are Republicans, 32% are Independents, and 14% are Democrats. The survey included 2,157 U.S. adult residents, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 points.
No “Get-Out-of-Jail-Free” Pass
In December, Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan made a decisive ruling, stating, “The United States has only one Chief Executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”
“Of course I was entitled”
Trump maintained his position, stating on Truth Social, “Of course I was entitled, as President of the United States and Commander in Chief, to Immunity. I wasn’t campaigning, the Election was long over.”
“I was looking for voter fraud, and finding it, which is my obligation to do, and otherwise running our Country.”
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