Judge rejects Trump request to toss Bragg charges in New York on basis of presidential immunity
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NY Judge Rejects Trump's Immunity Defense
Above: Donald Trump appears in court for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 23, 2024 in New York City. Image copyright: Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Judge Juan Merchan on Monday denied US Pres.-elect Donald Trump's attempt to dismiss his New York business fraud conviction based on presidential immunity, ruling that the evidence presented related "entirely to unofficial conduct."
Trump's lawyers argue this case should be dropped because the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled earlier this year that presidents have immunity for official acts. But prosecutors claim that dismissing a jury's conviction altogether would be an "extreme remedy."
The Spin
Republican narrative
This ruling by a politically partisan judge continues the ongoing violation of Trump's civil rights and is in direct opposition to SCOTUS' ruling on presidential immunity. Much of the evidence submitted — including testimony from White House staffers and presidential social media posts — were part of Trump's official duties. This witch hunt must end and the charges should be dismissed.
Democratic narrative
Not only did the evidence presented at trial pertain entirely to unofficial conduct, much of what Trump was charged for happened well before he was elected. Even if some evidence related to official acts was considered by the jury, its impact on their decision would've been negligible compared to the overwhelming weight of evidence pointing to his guilt in the case.
