Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) expressed his belief that presidents should not be exempt from criminal prosecution for their actions while in office. This statement was made as the Supreme Court deliberated on the matter in relation to former President Trump.
During an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker on Thursday, McConnell was asked if he believes a president is above criminal prosecution. In response, McConnell deferred to the Supreme Court.
“I don’t personally share that belief, but ultimately, it’s not within my authority to make such a decision,” he explained. “It’s evident that the president requires some form of immunity, otherwise he would constantly find himself embroiled in legal proceedings.”
McConnell expressed his curiosity about how the Supreme Court would handle the situation.
The Supreme Court dedicated nearly three hours on Thursday to listening to arguments presented by Trump’s lawyers regarding his potential immunity from criminal prosecution. The case in question accuses him of orchestrating a plan to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
During the interview, Welker challenged McConnell regarding his previous statements and his vote to acquit Trump in 2021, following his impeachment by the House. McConnell had previously stated that Trump was responsible for all his actions in office and had not escaped any consequences.
McConnell reiterated his support for his previous statements but once again deferred to the court’s decision on Trump’s case.
“We will discover the answer, won’t we? The Supreme Court will address the exact matter I mentioned on February 13, 2021. I believe we will receive clarity on this matter in the near future,” he expressed.
The Supreme Court justices expressed doubt regarding the claims made by Trump’s team that presidential immunity could apply to an attempted coup. However, they appeared inclined to provide some level of protection to the president from criminal prosecution.
The outcome of this significant case has the potential to ignite fresh legal disputes and also prolong the ongoing ones that President Trump is currently entangled in. A ruling is anticipated to be reached by the conclusion of June; however, special counsel Jack Smith has requested an expedited timeline from the court.
