Presidents come and go, but the Supreme Court goes on forever

Trump Immunity Shocker

Freedom Financial News | Posted July 11, 2024

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” – Abraham Lincoln

On July 1, 2024, just days before the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Supreme Court of the United States delivered a monumental decision in Trump v. United States (2024).

This ruling could reshape the American political landscape and redefine presidential powers for generations.

  • Absolute Immunity for Core Official Acts: The court ruled that a president has absolute criminal immunity for core official acts.
  • Presumptive Immunity for Non-Core Acts: There is presumptive criminal immunity for non-core official acts, meaning the president might still be protected in many instances.
  • No Immunity for Non-Official Acts: Presidents have no criminal immunity for actions outside their official duties.

The Decision

This case broke new ground as no president had ever faced prosecution for acts committed while in office. The Supreme Court’s decision clarifies that a president enjoys absolute criminal immunity for core official acts, presumptive criminal immunity for non-core official acts, and no criminal immunity for non-official acts.

The case has been sent back to the District Court to determine the nature of Trump’s actions. The Supreme Court, however, leaned towards considering some of Trump’s acts as official, which might lead to those charges being dismissed. Importantly, the District Court is barred from questioning the president’s motives, significantly impacting the trial’s outcome.

Implications for the Election

Practically speaking, this decision means the case against Trump will not be resolved before the presidential election. If Trump is elected, he could potentially direct the Department of Justice to drop the case. This scenario has huge political implications, especially with the upcoming election on November 5th.

Historical Significance

This decision places Trump v. United States among the most significant Supreme Court cases, comparable to Marbury v. Madison (1803) and Brown v. Board of Education (1954). The ruling is not just about today’s political climate but will influence presidential power for centuries.

The Nixon Irony

Richard Nixon’s infamous statement in 1977, “Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal,” was widely condemned. Yet, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. United States aligns closely with Nixon’s assertion. This irony underscores the long-lasting impact of this decision.

Political Backfire for Democrats

The Democrats’ relentless pursuit of Trump over the past two years has backfired. Instead of weakening Trump, the legal battles have led to court decisions that could bolster his position. Had they not pursued these cases, they could have continued arguing their points politically until Election Day.

Conclusion

Trump v. United States is a landmark case that will shape the future of presidential power and legal accountability. As we approach the next presidential election, this decision’s impact will be felt not just today but for many years to come.

Freedom Financial News Team