DOJ Rejects Trump’s Immunity Argument for 2020 Election Actions

  • Trump has claimed his actions were within official duties
  • Appeals court in Washington handling case on expedited basis

Former President Donald Trump

Photographer: Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Former President Donald Trump isn’t entitled to immunity when it comes to federal criminal charges alleging he conspired to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election to remain in power, Special Counsel Jack Smith argued in a legal filing Saturday.

The Justice Department filing responds to one by Trump to the US Court of Appeals in Washington on Dec. 23, in which he claims immunity from prosecution because his actions before and during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol were within the bounds of his official duties as president.