In a recent court showdown, Donald Trump’s lawyer made a bold argument, saying that a president could escape criminal charges for serious actions like ordering an elite military unit, SEAL Team Six, to take out a political rival. However, there’s a catch – according to the lawyer, the president would only face legal consequences if impeached and convicted first.
This legal battle is part of an ongoing case in Washington, where Trump is trying to avoid being taken to court for his actions while in office. The whole case is on hold until a decision is made about whether Trump has special immunity as a former president.
Trump’s lawyer says this kind of immunity is a powerful check against extreme actions by a president. However, some experts say this idea isn’t found in the Constitution and might not hold up in court.
The lawyer also suggested that certain controversial acts, like selling military secrets or pardons, could be seen as normal parts of a president’s job.
Critics argue that this way of thinking would mean a president could get away with almost anything, as long as a minority in the Senate supports them. Others say it goes against the idea that everyone, even a former president, should be held accountable under the law.
People are now eagerly waiting to see what the court decides. The outcome could set a big precedent, determining if a former president can be held responsible for their actions without going through the impeachment process first. It’s a legal tug-of-war that could change how we understand the power and responsibility of a former president.