Donald Trump stopped to mingle with supporters when he was greeted by a crowd chanting “USA” as he made his way to the Manhattan Criminal Court for his criminal trial this morning.
The former US president mingled with the public early in the morning, around 6:35am ET, where MAGA enthusiasts were seen chanting “We want Trump” and showing their support.
Ahead of his court appearance on Thursday, a large crowd had assembled, eager to catch a glimpse of Trump.
Dressed sharply in a blue suit and red tie, the 77-year-old took the time to snap photos, shake hands, and autograph the iconic red ‘Make America Great Again’ hats, all while being flanked by his security detail.
Despite the loud chants from his supporters, Trump managed to address the media, expressing his appreciation for the “amazing show of affection”.
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His appearance coincides with the Supreme Court’s consideration of his appeal regarding presidential immunity in his federal election subversion case. Trump has argued that presidents should be immune from prosecution for actions taken while in office.
Speaking over the din of pro-Trump chants, he told reporters, “We have a big case today: the Supreme Court on presidential immunity. A president has to have immunity. If you don’t have immunity, you’ll just have a ceremonial president,” as he leaned in closer to engage with the press amidst the patriotic shouts.
Last year, Special Counsel Jack Smith hit former President Donald Trump with a four-count federal indictment, alleging efforts to subvert his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Trump is accused of making false election fraud claims, attempting to appoint bogus electors, and pressuring ex-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the results, purportedly as part of his “official acts” as president. Smith has firmly stated that “presidents are not above the law”.
In an upcoming legal showdown, Trump’s attorneys will argue against Smith over whether past presidents can be criminally prosecuted for their actions in office.
Trump’s legal team contends that criminal immunity is essential to protect the presidency, asserting in court documents that “a denial of criminal immunity would incapacitate every future president”.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s prosecutorial immunity could either greenlight the trial, potentially reigniting it during the height of the next presidential election cycle or if they find in Trump’s favour, it may lead to the dismissal of other criminal cases against him.
Constitutional experts appear to align with Smith’s perspective as Trump tries to stall his quartet of criminal cases, banking on a return to power to dismiss them.
