Crawford on Trump’s Immunity Case: I Do Expect a Decision for a Possible Trial Before the Election

EXCERPT:

CRAWFORD: “Well, I mean, we will see. But, I mean, I do expect a decision that at least leaves open the possibility of a trial before the election. I mean, I see zero chance they're going to embrace Donald Trump's argument that he has absolute immunity and can't be prosecuted. I think they're going to say that there is some immunity for the official actions of a president. And why is that important? I agree -- and you heard some of that in your conversation with Senator Vance -- they are concerned that this case will apply to future presidents. They are concerned that, after a bitter campaign, as one justice pointed out in argument, that the winning candidate could throw the loser into jail. They're worried about that. And, as Trump said during that debate, he believes Biden's policies on immigration have been criminal. So, they see this as the case that goes well beyond Donald Trump. That's why I think they're going to wall off those kind of official actions of a president, but leave open the possibility of prosecution for unofficial actions of an office-seeker. And as Trump's lawyer argued at the oral arguments, conceded at the oral arguments, a lot of what's alleged in the indictment is unofficial acts. So Jack Smith could have those papers ready to go and say, he's conceded this is unofficial acts that he can be prosecuted for. Let's get this trial going. And I think the judge could do that very quickly.”