Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) expressed his belief that presidents should not be exempt from criminal prosecution for their actions while in office. This statement came as the Supreme Court deliberated on the matter concerning former President Trump.
During a recent interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker, McConnell was asked whether he believes a president is above criminal prosecution. In response, McConnell deferred to the Supreme Court.
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He stated, “I obviously don’t hold that belief, but the decision is not mine to make. It is evident that the president requires some form of immunity, otherwise he would constantly be facing legal proceedings.”
McConnell expressed his curiosity about how the Supreme Court would handle the matter.
On Thursday, Trump’s lawyers presented arguments to the Supreme Court, advocating for his immunity from criminal prosecution. The case accuses him of plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The court dedicated almost three hours to hearing these arguments.
During the interview, Welker confronted McConnell about his previous statements and his decision to vote for Trump’s acquittal after he had been impeached by the House. McConnell had previously stated that Trump was responsible for everything he did while in office and hadn’t escaped accountability.
Mitch McConnell reiterated his support for his previous statements but once again emphasized that it is ultimately the court’s decision to make regarding Trump’s case.
“We’re going to find out, right? The Supreme Court will address the specific issue I mentioned on February 13, 2021. I believe we will have an answer in the near future,” he confidently stated.
The Supreme Court justices expressed doubt about the claims made by Trump’s team that presidential immunity could apply to an attempted coup. However, they did appear inclined to provide some level of protection to the president from criminal prosecution.
