A federal judge, Tanya Chutkan, dismissed former President Trump’s immunity claim in his 2020 election subversion case. She denied his constitutional defenses, stating that being a former president doesn’t grant lifelong immunity from criminal liability.
Chutkan emphasized that Trump could face federal investigation, indictment, and punishment for any alleged criminal acts during his tenure. Trump’s argument, asserting immunity due to actions before the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, was rejected. He faces four felony charges, including conspiracy against the right to vote. Chutkan emphasized that neither the Constitution nor historical interpretation exempts former presidents from legal accountability. Additionally, Chutkan dismissed Trump’s reliance on his Senate impeachment acquittal, stating it doesn’t prevent prosecution. She also refuted claims that due process rights or the First Amendment protected his alleged conduct, emphasizing that speech used as a crime instrument isn’t shielded by the First Amendment.
