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A federal judge has given the green light for three lawsuits brought by four Capitol Police officers to proceed against former President Donald Trump, rejecting his claim that he has “absolute immunity.” While this ruling exposes Trump to civil litigation — not criminal charges — it adds to the growing list of his legal troubles. Straight Arrow News contributor Rashad Richey argues that if he is held liable in the lawsuits, it’s likely Trump will have to pay where it hurts him the most: His wallet.
Okay, a federal judge has said Donald Trump, former president of the United States — he does not have immunity for animating violence against the United States Capitol, United States Police, members of the United States Congress. Let me be very clear. Donald Trump would be a defendant for the rest of his life, a defendant of some sort, criminal, civil, etc.
So let me take you to what happened recently. A federal judge has now ruled to toss the immunity claim made by Donald Trump and his attorney. So basically, the attorneys were saying on behalf of former President Donald Trump, that what he said during that infamous speech, where he in fact told his supporters to go to the Capitol, and he will be there with them knowing they were armed and knowing they were dangerous — that action was not covered under absolute presidential immunity.
Now this is a big deal because, typically, it has been understood that what a president does, while in official capacity as president, gives them immunity from civil litigation. Donald Trump is much more concerned about his money being taken away than a criminal indictment. Let me tell you why.
While this judge has now set the course that will allow Capitol Police officers to remain steady in their lawsuit against the former president, the issue of his criminal indictment still looms. Now I know this may break the heart of some. Yes, Donald Trump could be indicted criminally at some point, yes, he may even go to trial or reach a plea agreement.
Donald Trump — due to the fact that he’s a former president of the United States — will likely never actually hear the sound of bars closing behind him, and the reason is because of the institution of the presidency. Even if he is convicted by a jury, a judge would likely suspend the sentence of Donald Trump and he would not actually serve in any jail term. But it could be a great way to stop him from seeking positions of public trust, which yes, includes being president again, but also includes being on a board of directors, etc.
That’s why Donald Trump is raising money and spending absolutely nothing on other Republicans, not even Republicans that he endorses. He’s keeping this money for himself. It’s a war chest, so to speak, in order to defend themselves, defend himself, against all of these accusations that will continue to come for the remainder of his life.