Supreme Court Immunity Ruling a Blow to Democracy

July 1, 2024

Supreme Court Immunity Ruling a Blow to Democracy

Washington, D.C. - The Supreme Court today ruled in Trump v. United States that U.S. presidents have immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within their "conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority." In April, Public Citizen filed an amicus brief in the case explaining that the acts with which he is charged cannot reasonably be claimed to fall within a president's duties.

Before the trial can proceed, the lower court will now have to decide which of the acts underlying the indictment against Trump were "official" acts. The ruling will therefore further delay the U.S. Department of Justice's criminal case against former president Donald Trump for his alleged role in the January 6 insurrection.

In response, Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president at Public Citizen, released the following statement:

"Trump versus the United States is a fitting name for this case. There is no better way to characterize Trump's attempt to upend the Constitution and rule of law as we know it.

"Today's ruling is a blow to U.S. democracy. But it's not a final blow by any means. Trump can and should still be held accountable for his role in the violence on January 6 in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election and stop a peaceful transfer of power.

"We will continue our work calling for accountability because no one, not even a former president, is above the law."