On Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on President Trump’s immunity from charges related to the unfair 2020 election and his role during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
Jack Smith, the lead prosecutor of this Washington case, argued that Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election and charged the former President in 2023 on counts of obstruction of justice.
This Washington case was brought to the Supreme Court in February and heard oral arguments in late April. This landmark case relied on the interpretation of the Constitution’s Article II, which states that all United States presidents are granted full immunity in their official acts for criminal charges.
Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the 6-3 opinion of the Court, firstly stating that no president is ever above the law. In a literal interpretation of the Constitution, the majority confirmed that a president cannot be tried for official acts. Without delving too much into the bounds of official acts, the Court ordered this case to go back down to the lower courts in order to decide what constitutes an official act.
I have always and will always support the rule of law, and the Court’s majority opinion does not conflict with this principle. Just as the Constitution specifically lays out the powers and limits of Congress, it outlines the powers and limits of the Executive Branch. It is simple—all presidents enjoy full immunity when they carry out their core acts and responsibilities.
The Left, especially the Biden Administration, has a lengthy history of using the Department of Justice against Conservatives, the American People, and President Trump. Biden and other corrupt Democrats are abusing our court system to stop Trump from returning to the White House. The judicial branch of our government stepped in to preserve order and justice by ensuring Constitutional rights are upheld and protected.
I am incredibly pleased with the Court’s decision to respect the Constitution and the limited powers of the President. We have always known it is unconstitutional for a President to be tried for their official acts, and this ruling is simply common sense. I have faith that the lower courts will rule correctly and dismiss these outrageous charges against President Trump.
Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.