Trump Seeks Immunity in 2020 Election Case

CNN reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump has requested the U.S. federal appeals court to dismiss the "criminal case of election interference in Washington D.C." Mr. Trump reiterated in a filing late Saturday that he is entitled to presidential immunity. According to the report, he asked the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the lower court's ruling that rejected his claim of immunity in the case brought by Jack Smith, the special counsel from the Department of Justice, regarding election interference in the presidential election. Jack Smith is the head of the special section combating political corruption at all levels of the federal government in the U.S. The panel of judges in the federal appeals court is reviewing Donald Trump's request, which the Supreme Court rejected on Friday, opposing a rushed review as requested by Mr. Smith before the D.C. court had the chance to consider the case. Trump's lawyers argue that he was acting in his official capacity as President to "ensure the integrity of the election" when he allegedly disregarded the results of the 2020 election. They emphasize that Mr. Trump is therefore entitled to immunity and that the indictment against him is unconstitutional, as presidents cannot be prosecuted for "actions taken in their official capacity" unless impeached and convicted by the Senate. According to CNN, Donald Trump has attempted to delay the court proceedings regarding his legal immunity until the March session of next year. The appeals court has expedited the review of his appeal and is set to hear oral arguments on January 9. Tanya Chutkan, the presiding judge, has temporarily halted all deadlines until the appeal is resolved. Mr. Trump's lawyers stated on Saturday that Ms. Chutkan is ignoring what the founders of America recognized, arguing that punishing a president is grossly political. Trump's attorneys also warned that the indictment against him "initiates cycles of politically motivated accusations and trials that will lead our nation to disaster for decades to come."