Former President Donald Trump has filed a brief with the US Supreme Court, arguing for immunity from prosecution. The brief asserts that a sitting president is immune from criminal investigation while in office, and that this immunity extends to former presidents as well.
Trump's legal team contends that subjecting a former president to criminal prosecution would unduly burden the office and distract from the duties of the current president. They argue that the potential for politically motivated prosecutions poses a threat to the separation of powers and the functioning of the executive branch.
This filing comes in response to a subpoena issued by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, seeking Trump's financial records as part of a criminal investigation. The investigation is reportedly looking into possible financial crimes, including tax fraud and insurance fraud, related to Trump's business dealings.
The legal battle over Trump's immunity from prosecution has been ongoing since he left office in January. Lower courts have ruled against Trump's claims of immunity, prompting his legal team to escalate the matter to the highest court in the land.
The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the case could have far-reaching implications for the powers of the presidency and the ability of law enforcement to hold former presidents accountable for their actions. The court is expected to consider the brief and make a decision in the coming weeks.
