The Supreme Court did not issue a ruling on Friday regarding Donald Trump’s claims of presidential immunity, keeping the case “frozen” as it remains pending in Washington, DC. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane noted on X that the docket for “USA v. Donald Trump” has not seen any movement since February 6, following the court’s release of rulings that did not include Trump’s case.
In a separate decision, the Supreme Court did overturn a Trump-era ban on bump stocks in a 6-3 decision.
The Supreme Court Justices heard arguments regarding presidential immunity on April 25. Trump has asserted that he is immune from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency, a stance he reiterated in posts on Truth Social in April. Trump argued that without presidential immunity, the president would be vulnerable to political opponents who could use legal threats to hinder his effectiveness.
The immunity case is crucial for addressing several legal challenges facing the former president, including charges related to his actions following the 2020 presidential election and during the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump faces four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.
Back in February, the Supreme Court agreed to consider Trump’s claim of immunity against these charges. Special Counsel Jack Smith, overseeing the election subversion case, had urged the court to issue a prompt ruling to allow the trial to proceed before the November election.
“Without presidential immunity, the president cannot function, as his political opponents will blackmail and extort him with the threat of wrongful persecution at every turn, including when he leaves office.”
