Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Michael Erdos has ruled that Trump was protected by presidential immunity when he made false election claims, effectively shielding him from the consequences of his words while in office.
Presidential Immunity Granted
The crux of Judge Erdos’s ruling revolves around the concept of presidential immunity. He emphasized that while other legal proceedings might investigate the propriety of Trump’s statements and actions during his presidency, the present lawsuit was not the appropriate place for such an examination.
What Erdos Said
The judge said: “Other legal proceedings may examine the propriety of his statements and actions while he was President and whether, as the plaintiffs in this and other cases contend, it was this conduct which served as the actual threat to our democracy. This case is not the proper place to do so. Here, Trump is entitled to presidential immunity.”
The Case in Question
James Savage, a Pennsylvania voting machine supervisor who played a pivotal role in the 2020 election, had filed two lawsuits against Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and two poll watchers. Savage’s primary contention was that Trump’s statements had caused him considerable harm, including defamation.
Holding Trump Accountable
On top of defamation, Savage was subjected to death threats and experienced two heart attacks. By pursuing legal action, he aimed to hold Trump and his associates accountable for the adverse consequences of their words and actions.
Trump’s Public Statements
Judge Erdos acknowledged that Trump’s remarks made at Gettysburg and a corresponding social media post were undeniably public statements. Moreover, he highlighted the subject matter of these statements – claims of election irregularities propagated by third parties, including the President himself.
The Legitimacy of Biden’s Victory
The aforementioned claims from the former President and potential felon undeniably cast doubt on the integrity of the election and the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s victory, making them a matter of substantial public interest and concern, Erdos said.
Judge Erdos’ Words
Judge Erdos said: “Here, then-President Trump’s Gettysburg remarks and his [social media post] were public. Moreover, the topic of these statements – claims from third parties and [Trump] himself about irregularities in the presidential election, which on their face called into question the integrity of the election and whether now-President Joseph Biden had been duly elected – was undoubtedly a matter of great public concern.”
Trump’s Legal Spokesperson Responded
Alina Habba, Trump’s legal spokesperson, released a statement in response to the court’s decision. She expressed satisfaction with the ruling and praised it for honoring the longstanding principle of presidential immunity. Habba argued that the decision further reinforced the idea that the sitting President should be able to address concerns about election integrity without being held legally liable.
Claims Without Merit
Habba also made it clear that Trump’s legal team expected that the remaining claims brought by Savage would similarly be dismissed. She said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision to honor the long-standing principle of presidential immunity. Today, the court made it clear that it is well within the President’s discretion to address the integrity of our election without fear of liability. We expect that the rest of Mr. Savage’s claims will similarly be disposed of as they are without merit.”
What the Experts Say
According to legal experts, the ruling pertains solely to civil liability for actions by Trump as part of his official duties and does not establish immunity from criminal charges. Moreover, the ruling does not have a mandatory influence on courts in different states.
False Statements to the Public
News of the ruling was shared across social media and, for the most part, people weren’t pleased. “His presidential duties include making false statements to the public? I would imagine some forefather said, ‘We better include making false statements to the public outside the boundaries of the office’ to which the others replied, “Should anything that obvious need to be written for any educated person to understand?’”
Concern for the Future
People found the ruling extremely concerning. One person said: “Trump and Habba just opened up a huge Pandora’s Box of tricks that will bring many regrets in the future. This means that the POTUS can lie 24/7 and not be held responsible nor lawfully accountable for the lies.”
The POTUS Has No Credibility
The commenter continued: “[It] means the office of the POTUS has no credibility in relation to the US Constitution and doesn’t have to be truthful to the US citizens. Thank you very much Republicans for destroying government credibility.”
Co-Conspirators and Treachery
Some people called for Judge Erdos to be tried as a co-conspirator. One individual said: “This judge is a co-conspirator and should be tried for treason. There’s a mountain of evidence proving the ruling to be false. We all watched it happen. The January 6th committee showed he’s absolutely guilty. We’re all equal under the law. America doesn’t have kings raining with impunity. What a disgrace!”
Politicians Lie All the Time
One person said that the ruling actually has a legal basis and makes sense. They wrote: “Actually, this ruling, from a strictly legal perspective, makes sense. After all, Republicans and Democrats routinely make all manner of false statements in Congress on a daily basis.”
Immunity Is Insanity
On the other hand, others found the situation deeply troubling. “Above the law. Immunity, in any form, of the three branches of government is absolute insanity. These people must face the consequences of their actions regardless of who they are or what position they hold,” one person said.
A Ridiculous, Immoral Ruling
Others brought religion into the equation. One person said: “What a ridiculous, immoral ruling. Trump and every Trump voter are enemies of this country and enemies of true Christianity. The sooner they are all sent to Hell, the sooner God’s work on Earth is done.”
The GOP Celebrates Dishonesty
Others discussed the Republican Party as a whole and claimed it celebrates dishonesty and betrayal. “When I was growing up, and to this day, being a liar was the worst thing you could ever be labeled. The GOP celebrates it,” one person said.
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