In New York, the legal team of former US President Donald Trump has requested a postponement of his upcoming trial concerning hush money payments until after the US Supreme Court delivers a ruling on his claim of presidential immunity. This trial, scheduled to begin on 25th March, is notable for being the first criminal case against a former US president. Trump’s defence argues that during his time in office, his public statements, including tweets, should be considered protected under presidential immunity. The Supreme Court is set to review Trump’s immunity claim on 25th April, a month following the trial’s start date.

The case itself centers around allegations that Trump directed a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to silence her. This payment was reportedly facilitated by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen and David Pecker, the former owner of the National Enquirer. Cohen’s testimony, implicating Trump in the repayment process, is pivotal to the prosecution’s case.

Trump’s legal strategy includes challenging the charges based on his claim to immunity, emphasizing the potential implications this high-profile trial could have on the legal system’s approach to prosecuting former presidents. This trial is one of four federal criminal cases Trump is currently facing, with prosecutors also keen to present evidence of a 2018 “pressure campaign” to obstruct cooperation with investigations.

As Trump confronts these legal battles, the outcome of the Supreme Court’s review on the extent of presidential immunity could significantly impact the proceedings and the broader question of accountability for public statements made while in office.