Former President Donald Trump requested a partial pause in his classified documents case following the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity.

Trump's legal team seeks to apply the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity to his classified documents case before further proceedings commence, as Fox News reports.

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents have substantial immunity for official acts performed while in office. In response, Trump's lawyers requested the Florida court to hold off on all proceedings in the classified documents case. They excluded the special counsel Jack Smith’s gag order request from this pause.

Supreme Court Decision on Presidential Immunity

The high court's ruling stated that a former president has immunity for official acts but not for unofficial acts. This decision came from a 6-3 vote concerning Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that a president does not possess immunity for unofficial acts.

In the court filing, Trump's lawyers argued that the Supreme Court's ruling means a prosecutor cannot indirectly use protected acts to establish liability. They quoted the Supreme Court’s explanation that it would "eviscerate the immunity we have recognized” if a prosecutor could indirectly use immune acts to prove liability on any charge.

Argument Against Gag Order

Last month, Trump’s lawyers argued against the gag order requested by prosecutors. They claimed it infringes on Trump’s free speech rights. Initially, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon rejected the prosecution’s request on technical grounds.

During a hearing on June 24, renewed arguments were presented, but Judge Cannon has yet to make a decision. A written order is expected soon.

Charges and Indictments Against Trump

Trump faces several charges from Jack Smith's investigation, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and false statements. Additionally, a superseding indictment has added more charges, including another count of willful retention of national defense information and two obstruction counts.

Trump pleaded not guilty to all 37 felony counts. His plea reinforces his commitment to fight the charges.

Trump's Response and Supreme Court's Impact

Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump expressed his satisfaction on Truth Social, sharing that the decision felt like a "high level SPANKING!"

Trump’s attorneys underscored that prosecutors cannot use evidence of official acts to prove liability. They maintained that the court must analyze whether the allegations are of official conduct.

Attorney Emil Bove stated that the Justice Department risks creating a "shadow government" by appointing special counsels for select cases. This comment reflects growing concerns about the impartiality and reach of special counsels.

Awaiting Judge Cannon's Decision

Judge Cannon’s pending decision on the gag order could further influence the trajectory of the case. The judge's initial rejection based on technicalities left room for further legal wrangling.

The decision to pause the case while awaiting her ruling could signal a significant shift.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

Trump’s legal team is preparing for the next phase, armed with the recent Supreme Court ruling. They argue that the court needs to consider the Supreme Court’s stance on presidential immunity before moving forward with the case. This strategic legal maneuver aims to leverage newfound protections.

Meanwhile, prosecutors continue to push for their gag order request. The outcome of these legal battles will undoubtedly shape the course of the case.

Conclusion

In summary, former President Trump's legal team requested a partial pause in the classified documents case following a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity.

His lawyers aim to apply this ruling before proceedings continue, while also contesting a gag order request. The Supreme Court's ruling highlighted the distinction between official and unofficial acts, impacting the legal strategies of both parties. The unfolding legal battle centers on these new precedents, awaiting Judge Cannon's next move.