US Supreme Court recognizes Trump's immunity, but there's catch

Photo: Donald Trump, former President of the United States (Getty Images)

The US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump had immunity while in office. However, this immunity applies only to official decisions, according to Reuters.

The decision on Trump's immunity was considered in the context of a case regarding his attempt to undo the 2020 election defeat. The Supreme Court ruled that Trump could claim immunity for actions taken within his constitutional powers, but not for private acts.

The court consists of six conservative and three liberal judges (three of whom were appointed by Trump during his presidency).

Reuters highlights that this decision is the first since the founding of the country in the 18th century when the Supreme Court recognized the right of presidents to be protected from criminal charges in any case.

The decision was made in connection with Trump's appeal against a lower court's decision, which dismissed the former president's claim for immunity.

Notably, Trump wanted the Supreme Court to confirm his "absolute immunity" during his time in office.

Capitol attack

Trump is suspected of attempting to pressure American officials to undo the results of the 2020 presidential elections and calling on his supporters to protest at the Capitol.

This led to large-scale protests and the storming of the Capitol, resulting in the deaths of five people, including a police officer.

Earlier, Trump admitted that he wanted to join his supporters during the Capitol storming.