Trump has immunity for actions as president, US supreme court rules

The United States supreme court has ruled that former President Donald Trump has immunity for official actions taken while in office.

In a 6-3 ruling delivered on Monday, the majority decision dismissed the verdict of the lower court on the criminal charges filed against Trump over his conduct after the 2020 elections.

The six justices ruled that former US presidents have immunity against actions taken while in office but not unofficial actions.

Reuters reports that the court analysed Trump’s indictment into four categories: discussions with justice department officials after the 2020 election; alleged pressure on then Vice-President Mike Pence to block certification of Biden’s election win; alleged role in assembling fake pro-Trump electors; and conduct about an attack on the US Capitol.

The justices ruled that Trump has immunity over conversations with US justice department officials but returned the case to the lower courts to determine the immunity of the other three categories.

In 2021, Trump supporters breached police lines and stormed the US Capitol Hill building while Congress was sitting to verify then-President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

The police said four people died and at least 14 of their personnel were injured. Over 50 people were arrested. Some of the rioters have been sentenced to prison.

Trump had promised to pardon most or all of the rioters if he is re-elected president in 2024.

In December 2022, the January 6 committee voted to refer Trump to the department of justice (DOJ) for at least four criminal charges.

The committee is a select panel from the United States house of representatives, to investigate the January 6 invasion of the US Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters.