In the United States, special counsel Jack Smith has asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal charges for the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2020. According to Trump’s lawyers, Trump fulfilled his obligations. President at the time, which means he enjoys immunity. That question is now before the Supreme Court. “This is not something Jack Smith would do,” says American expert Kenneth Manusama.
The Supreme Court must decide whether or not Donald Trump is immune
“This is a case that has big consequences.” According to Manusama, the Supreme Court has decided to hear the case by the end of the year. Trump’s attorneys have until Dec. 20 to file their response to Smith’s request, and Trump’s attorneys have indicated they are willing to move quickly with the case. “It’s also Jack Smith’s opinion because the process should start on March 4.”
(ANP/AFP)
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Big consequences
According to Manusama, the question revolves around whether Trump enjoys immunity for everything he has done during his presidency. In short, the President is above the law or not. If the court rules that Trump enjoys immunity, “it will certainly have major ramifications for lawsuits, but certainly for the future presidency.” Smith wants to start the lawsuit on March 4, which is against Trump. 15 states will have primaries on Super Tuesday. According to Manusama, Smith wants to keep the momentum going because, for example, if the case doesn’t come up for trial by October, there will be interference in the elections. “So these things should start before the summer and hopefully be finished by then.”
Also Read | Trump loses immunity, lawsuit looms over Capitol
‘It will have big consequences’
witch hunt
Trump’s lawyers are talking about a witch hunt and a political investigation. Manusama understands this to some extent, but on the other hand he says that he is very serious about the facts and ‘condemns’ it ‘in the interest of democracy’. This may be set because of the precedent: previously there was always a peaceful transfer of power, but from January 6, 2021 this is self-evident. What will the campaign do? According to Manusama, this could go either way: Trump’s hard core of supporters may not have much to talk about, but a large portion of the electorate may start to doubt Trump. “Maybe he survived those primaries, but there’s a quiet erosion going on beneath the surface that’s eroding his support.”
‘It’s too late for Haley and DeSantis’
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Possible fall damage
The damage to Trump may actually become apparent in the fall. However, Manusama doubts that Trump’s enormous lead over Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis will ever close because Trump is campaigning precisely on the narrative that there is a political witch hunt against him. It’s too late for Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, but Manusama, who thinks the lawsuits against Trump could give independent voters a leg up, says “he’ll benefit from that.”
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