Trump Takes Aim at Manhattan Conviction, Claiming Presidential Immunity

Former President Donald Trump is throwing a punch back at his Manhattan criminal conviction, citing a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity as his legal shield. In a move that could significantly impact the ongoing legal battle, Trump’s lawyers are arguing that his actions as President, specifically those related to the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, were shielded by his presidential immunity.

This isn’t just a legal maneuver; it’s a major escalation in the Trump vs. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg saga. Remember, Trump was found guilty on all charges related to falsifying business records to conceal the payment to Daniels, a case that stemmed from the alleged affair and a subsequent effort to silence her story.

So, what’s the big deal about this immunity argument? It hinges on the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of *Trump v. Thompson*. In this case, the court ruled that the former President was immune from civil lawsuits related to his actions as President, even after leaving office. Trump’s legal team argues this ruling should extend to criminal cases as well, effectively shielding him from prosecution for actions taken while in office.

But here’s the rub: The Supreme Court’s *Trump v. Thompson* decision focused on civil lawsuits, not criminal proceedings. Whether the same immunity extends to criminal charges is a legal question with no definitive answer.

Let’s break down the facts:

• Trump was convicted on 4 charges related to falsifying business records, not a crime against the United States. The case revolves around campaign finance violations, not national security or official duties.

• The Supreme Court has never explicitly ruled on whether presidential immunity applies to criminal charges related to personal conduct. The legal landscape is murky, leaving the outcome uncertain.

• Trump’s legal team is making a bold move, arguing for an expansive interpretation of presidential immunity. This could have significant ramifications for future presidential actions and potential criminal liability.

This legal battle is far from over. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office is expected to vigorously defend the conviction, arguing that the *Trump v. Thompson* case doesn’t apply to Trump’s criminal charges.

What happens next? The outcome hinges on how the courts interpret presidential immunity in the context of criminal charges. The case is likely to be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling. This legal fight will likely unfold over the coming months, with the potential to reshape the legal landscape surrounding presidential immunity.