Former President Donald Trump’s comment likely refers to a recent court case decision where Judge Arthur F. Engoron of the New York State Supreme Court prevented Trump’s lawyers from arguing that Trump has absolute immunity from a lawsuit.
The idea of “absolute immunity” has been a point of contention related to Presidents, with those in favor arguing that it allows a sitting President to focus on their duties without being distracted by lawsuits. Those opposing claim it gives too much power to the President to act without legal consequence.
Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s claims of absolute immunity in two cases in 2020. However, those cases applied to a sitting President, and Trump currently is no longer in office. Despite this, it seems Trump’s lawyers were attempting to use the absolute immunity argument in this particular case in New York, which Judge Engoron rejected.
“Trump says NY Judge Merchan ‘thinks he is above the Supreme Court’ after barring him from immunity arguments” appears to be a misquote/confusion, because the Judge involved in the ruling was Arthur F. Engoron. However, the spirit of the comment likely reflects Trump’s disagreement with the Judge’s decision.
Trump says NY Judge Merchan ‘thinks he is above the Supreme Court’ after barring him from immunity arguments
Former President Donald Trump’s comment likely refers to a recent court case decision where Judge Arthur F. Engoron of the New York State Supreme Court prevented Trump’s lawyers from arguing that Trump has absolute immunity from a lawsuit.
The idea of “absolute immunity” has been a point of contention related to Presidents, with those in favor arguing that it allows a sitting President to focus on their duties without being distracted by lawsuits. Those opposing claim it gives too much power to the President to act without legal consequence.
Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s claims of absolute immunity in two cases in 2020. However, those cases applied to a sitting President, and Trump currently is no longer in office. Despite this, it seems Trump’s lawyers were attempting to use the absolute immunity argument in this particular case in New York, which Judge Engoron rejected.
“Trump says NY Judge Merchan ‘thinks he is above the Supreme Court’ after barring him from immunity arguments” appears to be a misquote/confusion, because the Judge involved in the ruling was Arthur F. Engoron. However, the spirit of the comment likely reflects Trump’s disagreement with the Judge’s decision.
