Former President Donald Trump stated particular counsel Jack Smith’s case in opposition to Trump in the course of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot ought to be dismissed as a result of he has presidential immunity.
Trump pleaded not responsible after Smith accused him of 4 counts, together with conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to hinder an official continuing, obstruction and try and hinder an official continuing, and conspiracy in opposition to rights.
“Breaking 234 years of precedent, the present administration has accused President Trump of committing actions that lie not simply throughout the ‘periphery,’ however on the coronary heart of his official obligations as president,” Trump’s legal professionals stated. Argue. “Certainly, the prosecution doesn’t, and can’t, argue that President Trump’s efforts to make sure the integrity of the election, and to name for it, had been outdoors the scope of his duties.”
An individual raises a “Make America Nice” hat as President Donald Trump speaks to supporters from The Ellipse close to the White Home on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Many authorized students anticipated Trump to file a movement to dismiss the case on grounds of presidential immunity.
Trump’s legal professionals famous that every one of Trump’s alleged acts occurred whereas he was nonetheless president.
“The entire actions of the defendant charged within the indictment occurred whereas he was nonetheless in workplace as President of the US, and, in line with the prosecution, had been all in reference to a federal authorities operate,” the petition states. advertiser. He added: “Given the money-intensive nature of the presidency, these details alone strongly help the concept that the indictment relies solely on the official actions of President Trump.”
Particular Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on the most recent indictment in opposition to former US President Donald Trump on August 1, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Photographs)
Trump’s legal professionals additionally pointed to the 2021 acquittal within the Senate impeachment trial, the place they heard arguments about Trump’s alleged position within the Capitol riot.
“The Articles of Impeachment present that the President could also be impeached solely in circumstances the place the President has been impeached and convicted by trial within the Senate,” they stated.
“President Trump was acquitted of those fees following his trial within the Senate and due to this fact stays immune from prosecution. The particular counsel can’t query the judgment of the duly elected United States Senate.” Argue.
The trial on this case is scheduled to start in early March 2024.