Judge rejects Trump request to toss Bragg charges in New York on basis of presidential immunity
FOX NewsDEC 2024
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 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.