The US Supreme Court said on Friday that it will not immediately accept special counsel Jack Smith's request regarding the former president. Donald Trump He could be prosecuted for his actions to overturn the results of his 2020 election defeat.
Judges, an unusual refusal Request by US Special Counsel Jack SmithIt effectively bypassed a lower appeals court to speed up a final ruling on Trump's immunity ahead of his trial, which is set to begin in March.
The court issued its decision in a brief one-page order without any explanation. No justice is publicly denied. The issue will now be decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which has signaled it will move quickly to resolve the case.
Trump celebrates victory
The decision is a planning victory for Trump and his lawyers, who have tried repeatedly to delay the criminal case against him. He is campaigning to win the White House in 2024.
That prevents a swift ruling by the country's Supreme Court, which could have outright rejected his claims of immunity, and casts further doubt on the possibility of a landmark trial scheduled for March 4.
In a statement to supporters, Trump labeled the Supreme Court decision a victory, but said “I still have to fight for my rights in the appeals court.”
What are the charges against Trump?
Prosecutors have accused Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, of trying to circumvent Congress and defraud the US government with plans to change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
Trump argued that the case should be dismissed on the grounds that former presidents cannot face criminal charges related to their official responsibilities.
US District Judge Sudgan asked Trump appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which rejected that request on December 1. Trump's appeal stalled his trial, which is now set for March.
In an effort to avoid delaying Trump's trial, Smith urged the Supreme Court on Dec. 11 to make a quick ruling.
dh/sri (AP, Reuters)
