On Wednesday, former Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) urged the Supreme Court to expediently resolve the debate over former President Donald Trump’s claims of immunity from prosecution regarding his actions to contest the outcome of the 2020 election.
Cheney, sharing her views on X (previously known as Twitter), emphasized the importance of the public being informed about the Department of Justice’s allegations against Trump for his attempts to challenge the results of his 2020 re-election defeat before the upcoming November election.
“Putting off the trial connected to January 6 conceals vital information that the public has a right to know,” Cheney stated. “Donald Trump sought to undermine an election and unlawfully grasp power. It is imperative for our legal system to proceed with his trial before the forthcoming election. The Supreme Court must act swiftly on this matter.”
The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, consented to review the argument concerning Trump’s immunity from legal action for his endeavors to dispute his 2020 election loss. Trump’s defense team contends that his conduct leading up to and during the Capitol unrest on January 6, 2021, is shielded from criminal charges by virtue of presidential immunity.
This deliberation by the court could postpone the commencement of the trial to summer or potentially closer to the general election in November.
As the vice chair of the House select committee investigating the events of January 6, Cheney has been a prominent Republican critic of Trump.
She has accused Trump of provoking the January 6 riots and was defeated in her bid for re-election to the House by Trump-endorsed candidate, Representative Harriet Hageman, in Wyoming’s 2022 primary after serving three terms.
Even after her departure from Congress, Cheney continues to openly criticize Trump and some of his supporters, a sentiment reflected in her recent book, “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning.”
Trump welcomed the Supreme Court’s willingness to consider his immunity claim, expressing his gratitude towards the court. He had earlier appealed for the trial to be delayed, while special counsel Jack Smith had requested the Supreme Court to dismiss Trump’s plea.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, among other Republicans, lauded the Supreme Court’s decision, expressing hope that it would end what he views as a misuse of power against Trump.
“I’m pleased the Supreme Court is addressing the case. The past year’s actions — the relentless pursuit by the left and Democratic prosecutors against Donald Trump — represent a significant misuse of power,” Cruz remarked on NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Wednesday.
Trump is charged with four felony counts in the federal case, accused of engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and leading efforts to obstruct the certification of the January 6 vote count.
For now, the Supreme Court’s decision pauses the legal proceedings, marking a setback for Smith, who had been working to maintain the momentum of the case.
