Ex-President
Trump: Court hearing on his immunity
Before trial for election fraud: Is Donald Trump protected by his presidential immunity? photo
© Charlie Neibergall/AP
Can former US President Trump even be prosecuted at the federal level? This question needs to be clarified before his election fraud trial. Now there is a hearing.
The 77-year-old has been charged in the US capital in connection with attempted election fraud. Before the trial can begin, the question must be clarified as to whether Trump can be prosecuted at the federal level for his behavior after the election three years ago or whether he is protected by his immunity as president. After his election defeat in 2020, Trump incited his supporters during a speech before the election results were confirmed in Congress on January 6, 2021. They then stormed the House of Representatives in Washington.
Trump’s lawyers believe that the Republican cannot be legally prosecuted for actions that were part of his duties as president. They had therefore requested that the charges be dismissed. However, the judge responsible for the proceedings rejected the application. Trump’s team once again appealed against this decision – which is why an appeals court is now involved. Because of the legal wrangling over the question of immunity, it is unlikely that the trial against Trump can begin as planned in March.