A federal judge has denied former President Donald Trump’s attempt to have his conviction thrown out on the grounds of immunity. The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge David Carter, marks a significant blow to Trump’s legal team as they seek to overturn his conviction for inciting the January 6th Capitol riot.
In his decision, Judge Carter cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Nixon v. Fitzgerald, which held that a sitting president is immune from civil litigation for official acts. However, Carter pointed out that this immunity does not extend to criminal conduct, such as the charges Trump faces for his role in the Capitol riot.
The decision comes after Trump’s attorneys argued that his actions on January 6th were protected by the First Amendment, and that he was acting in his capacity as president at the time. They also claimed that the charges against him were politically motivated.
However, Judge Carter rejected these arguments, stating that the evidence against Trump was overwhelming and that his actions clearly incited the violence that took place at the Capitol. Carter also noted that Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election were a clear abuse of power and a violation of his oath to uphold the Constitution.
The ruling is a major setback for Trump, who has been fighting to clear his name and avoid criminal liability for his actions on January 6th. It also sets a significant precedent for future cases involving former presidents and their legal immunity.
In response to the ruling, Trump’s legal team has vowed to appeal the decision and continue fighting to overturn his conviction. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, as the evidence against Trump is strong and the legal arguments in his favor are weak.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump will ultimately be held accountable for his actions on January 6th. But one thing is clear: the judge’s decision to deny his bid for immunity marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice for the Capitol riot and its perpetrators.
