CNN —The federal judge presiding over Donald Trump’s election subversion case in Washington, DC, has refused to dismiss the charges against the former president, saying he does not enjoy absolute immunity for what he said and did after the 2020 election.
“The court cannot conclude that our Constitution cloaks former Presidents with absolute immunity for any federal crimes they committed while in office,” US District Judge Tanya Chutkan wrote.
This is an issue that likely must be settled by an appeals courts above Chutkan before Trump’s criminal trial, set for March.
Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office,” Chutkan wrote.
The judge shot down that idea, saying that the argument only applies to a sitting president – which Trump is not.
Persons:
Donald Trump’s, “, Tanya Chutkan, –, Trump, ” Chutkan, ”, Chutkan, “ Rather, CNN’s Zachary Cohen
Organizations:
CNN, Trump
Locations:
Washington ,, United States, Washington