In the wake of a significant legal setback, former President Donald Trump is once again at the center of controversy. Reported by Raw Story on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, a three-judge appeals panel denied him absolute immunity from criminal charges.
Critics have dubbed him “citizen Trump” as he tries to spin false narratives, asserting that the ruling undermines the presidency.
During a recent interview on MSNBC’s “The Last Word” with Lawrence O’Donnell, former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade shared her perspective, noting that the appeals court’s decision was not unexpected.She stressed that the court merely reaffirmed existing legal principles, contradicting Trump’s claims.
Despite the legal setback, Trump turned to Truth Social to proclaim his innocence and criticize the decision, pledging to appeal.
He contended that denying presidential immunity might open the door to extortion and blackmail, suggesting that without such immunity, presidents could face unfounded indictments for actions taken while in office.
Trump cautioned of severe repercussions for the presidency and the nation if this immunity were not upheld.
Additionally, Trump proceeded to pass judgment on former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Biden, accusing them of misconduct and asserting they would be imprisoned if held accountable.
McQuade promptly refuted Trump’s assertions, branding them as disinformation intended to mislead the public.
McQuade highlighted Trump’s pattern of spreading false information, emphasizing that the court’s decision did not introduce any drastic changes but simply affirmed that presidents are not exempt from the law and can be held responsible for criminal acts.
Trump’s previous statement on social media, asserting complete immunity for presidential actions that “CROSS THE LINE,” further underscores his resistance to the concept of presidential accountability.
McQuade reiterated that Trump’s interpretation is flawed, as it contradicts the fundamental principle that no one, including the president, is immune from legal consequences for their actions.
In contrast to Trump’s claims, McQuade reiterated the longstanding understanding that presidents are subject to the law like any other citizen.
She stressed that Trump’s efforts to depict the court’s decision as unprecedented and harmful to the presidency are deceptive and intended to manipulate public opinion.
Ultimately, McQuade warned against being swayed by Trump’s rhetoric, urging the public to recognize his disinformation tactics and realize that holding presidents accountable is crucial for maintaining the rule of law.
Trump’s attempts to cast doubt on the legal system and presidential accountability should be understood as efforts to avoid responsibility and undermine the credibility of the justice system.
