Special counsel Jack Smith argued before the Supreme Court against Donald Trump's claim of absolute presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts, emphasizing that the U.S. Constitution did not intend for presidents to escape criminal liability for actions taken while in office. Federal prosecutors drew parallels between Trump and Richard Nixon, highlighting the importance of not allowing a precedent where the president is above the law. This stance is supported by concerns from retired military leaders who believe that granting Trump immunity could threaten democracy by undermining the legal and moral authority of the Commander-in-Chief. The argument centers on the principle that no person, including the president, is above the law, and accepting Trump's immunity claim could exempt the president from all criminal law, including serious crimes such as bribery, murder, treason, and sedition.
Mr. Smith said presidents are not above the law and to allow a president to be free from prosecution “would free the President from virtually all criminal law — even crimes such as bribery, murder, treason, and sedition.” https://t.co/XlWv9nYlhH
“[Mr. Trump’s] theory that the President is absolutely immune from criminal prosecution, if accepted, has the potential to severely undermine the Commander-in-Chief’s legal and moral authority to lead the military forces, as it would signal that they but not he must obey the rule…
Federal prosecutors compared Donald Trump to Richard Nixon as they urged the US Supreme Court to reject the claim that he is immune from criminal prosecution, insisting that “no person is above the law, including the president” ⬇️ https://t.co/KIKwOMinbD
Trump's claim to absolute presidential immunity from criminal charges related to official acts contradicts the text and intent of the U.S. Constitution and would've been "anathema" to the document's framers, special counsel Jack Smith told the high court. https://t.co/Re7y0rxTvQ https://t.co/FLodOSHNXW
The special counsel said the founders never intended presidents to escape criminal liability for official acts they committed while in office. https://t.co/XlWv9nYlhH
The special counsel’s most essential argument against Trump’s immunity claim https://t.co/fGfGIPXcqs
Retired military leaders warn of the threat to democracy if Trump is found to be immune https://t.co/XvukEEGWTO
Federal prosecutors compared Donald Trump to Richard Nixon as they urged the US Supreme Court to reject the claim that he is immune from criminal prosecution ⬇️ https://t.co/J3qw5DDLZF
`No person is above the law': Special counsel tells Supreme Court why Trump should be prosecuted https://t.co/4HVtkD8zeP