In an attempt to avoid a lawsuit over fraud in the 2020 election, Trump said he would enjoy presidential immunity because he was still in office at the time. After a judge ruled last December that Trump could indeed be prosecuted, three judges on the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., unanimously decided today that the former head of state is not immune in this criminal case.
Trump's lawyers have now asked the Supreme Court to suspend this ruling until the court hears the case on appeal or rejects the appeal. Monday was the last day to file such a request, otherwise the decision of three federal judges would take effect.
The Supreme Court's decision on whether to grant a stay will determine whether and when there will be a trial against Trump for trying to influence the outcome of the election after his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. This trial usually begins on March 4, but presiding judge Tanya Chutkan decided to postpone it for the time being until May 20.
Trump is the most likely candidate to become the Republican Party's nominee in this year's presidential elections. The 77-year-old denies the accusations against him as an attempt by his political opponents to keep him off the ballot.
In court in Florida
Earlier on Monday, he appeared in court in Florida. It included a hearing behind closed doors regarding his handling of classified documents. Trump and his accompanying delegation were received by supporters at the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce on Sunday morning. Five hours later, the 77-year-old was able to leave again.
The former head of state is accused of continuing to keep secret documents in his home in Florida after leaving the White House, thus endangering the security of the United States. The law requires that he hand over the papers to the National Archives.
Last year, Trump pleaded not guilty in the case. During Monday's hearing, Trump's lawyers requested access to confidential evidence to prepare their defense. The Public Prosecutor opposes this because it concerns sensitive documents.
Hearings on the merits of the case are scheduled to begin on May 20.
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