The U.S. Supreme Court declined Friday to hop over the appeals court process and decide itself whether former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution relating to his efforts to delegitimize the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The court denied the request by Biden Administration special counsel Jack Smith that it bypass a lower appeals court. This may mean that the trial involving Trump will not be heard March 4, the week of Super Tuesday. Smith had argued, “Given the weighty and consequential character of the constitutional questions at stake, only this Court can provide the definitive and final resolution.” Whatever the appeals court decides, the matter will certainly be elevated to the high court.
Smith, on behalf of the Biden Justice Department, has several charges pending against Trump, who also faces numerous charges by Democrat state prosecutors in Georgia and New York. In addition, New York City and State have filed civil complaints against Trump and his business enterprises relating to taxes and property assessments.
State officials in Michigan are reportedly investigating an allegation made by the Detroit News, which said it’s reviewed a recording of a phone call between Trump and local election officials of Wayne County, during which Trump can be heard urging two local Michigan Republicans not to sign the Wayne County certification for the 2020 election.
