Trump at the Supreme Court

The Law: The Supreme Court has ruled that former presidents are immune from civil suits seeking money for official actions within the “outer perimeter” of their responsibilities, and the Justice Department has said that sitting presidents cannot be indicted.  But the question of whether a former president is completely shielded from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office is an open one.

Where Things Stand: Judge Tanya S. Chutkan rejected Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution in a case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, and the Supreme Court declined a request from Jack Smith, the special counsel, to hear an immediate appeal of that ruling.  A federal appeals court will hear arguments on Jan. 9, and the case will return to the Supreme Court if the losing side appeals, which is all but certain.