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Donald Trump
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Explainer | What’s next after Donald Trump was denied immunity from criminal charges

  • Donald Trump has until February 12 to appeal court ruling to the US Supreme Court
  • Tuesday’s ruling affirms former president is no different legally than any other US citizen

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T-shirts and hats featuring Donald Trump’s mugshot. Photo: Reuters
Bloomberg
Donald Trump’s appellate court loss on whether he’s immune from prosecution moves him closer to standing trial for trying to overturn the 2020 election even as he campaigns for the presidency again.
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The ruling on Tuesday affirms a central point made by prosecutors – the former US president is no different legally than any other citizen.

But the three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit may not have the last word.

The ruling against Trump, the front runner for the Republican nomination, is on hold until February 12 for him to appeal to the US Supreme Court. He might also ask the full DC Circuit to rehear the case. Neither court is required to take up his appeal.

Trump supporters storming the US Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021. File photo: AP
Trump supporters storming the US Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021. File photo: AP

Special Counsel Jack Smith is pushing to put Trump on trial about his actions to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory, culminating in the riot on January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol.

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Trump’s campaign immediately started fundraising off the ruling and his spokesman Steven Cheung issued a warning.

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