Supreme Court rejects Trump's absolute immunity claim for unofficial acts

gettyrf_91422_scotusbldg2028229303650
Grant Faint/Getty Images

(WASHINGTON) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Donald Trump’s sweeping claim of “absolute” immunity from criminal prosecution for unofficial acts but granted some protections for former presidents for official acts taken while in the White House.

The split 6-3 opinion was authored by Chief Justice John Roberts.

“The President is not above the law,” the opinion read. “But under our system of separated powers, the President may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers, and he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for his official acts. That immunity applies equally to all occupants of the Oval Office.”

Story developing…

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

vp-debate-15-gty-gmh-241001_1727832698343_hpembed_3x2529891

Key takeaways from the Walz-Vance vice presidential debate

Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz participate in the Vice Presidential debate in New York City, October 1, 2024. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images) (NEW YORK)