The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 3, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled July 1st that former President Donald Trump has criminal immunity for his “official” acts as President, but not for “private” acts. The majority’s decision was not quite a “get out of jail free” card, but expanded the official powers of the President to near authoritarian levels.
While they failed to define those “official” and “private” acts, conservative justices did specify that Trump’s conversations with former Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 election results and all other communications were official duties, and can’t be used as evidence. Likewise, Trump’s attempts to manipulate the U.S. Justice Department to end investigations are official – no matter how heinous – and can’t be used. Critics see such power being exploited by unscrupulous Presidents to commit criminal acts without consequence.
While the job of prosecutors was made far more difficult, the opinion is less likely to affect the state cases against Trump. The New York hush money cover up of campaign violations, and Trump’s effort to overturn Georgia’s election results, are more likely to be ruled “private” acts.
The Special Prosecutor’s federal cases now return to Judges Tanya Chutkan and Aileen Cannon who must sort out what can and can’t be used – a process that will likely take months to resolve.
Read the decision and the scathing dissent at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. We’ve also linked resources on how to register to vote. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Supreme Court Decision – Opinion in Trump v. United States
Associated Press – Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have broad immunity, dimming chance of a pre-election Trump trial
Democracy Docket – Trump Is Immune From Criminal Prosecution for Official Acts, Supreme Court Rules
Nebraska Examiner / States Newsroom – ‘No kings in America’: Biden slams U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting Trump immunity
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (C.R.E.W.), Democracy 21, American Constitution Society
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