In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court decisively dismissed former President Trump's argument that he could not be criminally prosecuted because he was not impeached and convicted by Congress. Trump contended that according to the Constitution's impeachment clause, only presidents who were impeached and removed from office could face criminal charges.
Chief Justice Roberts countered this argument by highlighting the potential loophole it would create. He pointed out that under Trump's interpretation, a president could evade accountability for criminal acts by resigning before facing impeachment proceedings.
Roberts emphasized that impeachment is a political process designed for Congress to remove a president, not a prerequisite for criminal prosecution. He stated that attempting to link impeachment to criminal law enforcement lacked constitutional basis and contradicted the fundamental structure of the government.
The Supreme Court's rejection of Trump's assertion marked a significant legal victory for special counsel Jack Smith. The ruling clarified that a president cannot use the absence of impeachment as a shield against criminal prosecution, ensuring that individuals holding the highest office in the country remain subject to the rule of law.
