On Friday, a federal judge ruled that former President Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case in Washington.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that “former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” according to The Associated Press. Chutkan rejected claims of presidential immunity.
“The court cannot conclude that our Constitution cloaks former Presidents with absolute immunity for any federal crimes they committed while in office,” Chutkan wrote, according to CNN.
“Whatever immunities a sitting President may enjoy, the United States has only one Chief Executive at a time, and that position does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass. Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability. Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office,” Chutkan wrote, according to CNN.
Trump is expected to appeal, the AP reported. He has denied any wrongdoing in this case.
Earlier Friday, the federal appeals court in Washington D.C. ruled Trump can be held civilly liable for the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The long-awaited decision came out of lawsuits brought by Capitol Police officers and Democrats in Congress. It could clear the way for lawsuits seeking financial damages from Trump, according to The Washington Post.
