Former President Donald Trump expressed confidence in his ability to win New York in the 2024 election and reiterated his belief in presidential immunity during a court appearance in Manhattan.
Former President Donald Trump remains undeterred in his aspirations for the 2024 presidential election, despite ongoing legal challenges and a recent setback in his criminal trial. In a recent court appearance in Manhattan, Trump voiced his optimism about securing a victory in New York and reiterated his stance on presidential immunity.
Trump addressed reporters after a lengthy court session, the seventh day of his criminal trial stemming from the Manhattan District Attorney's investigation. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 charges of falsifying business records in the first degree.
While Trump was present in court, the United States Supreme Court held a hearing on the issue of presidential immunity, specifically in relation to Trump's prosecution in a separate case involving Special Counsel Jack Smith and the 2020 election interference investigation.
Trump had requested permission to attend the Supreme Court arguments in Washington, D.C., but his petition was denied by New York Judge Juan Merchan, who mandated Trump's presence at each day of his criminal trial.
"I was forced to be here, and I'm glad I was, because it was a very interesting day in a certain way," Trump stated to reporters.
Trump asserted that the Supreme Court's hearing on presidential immunity was pivotal and emphasized his belief that a president should possess immunity from prosecution.
"I think it was made clear, I hope it is very clear that a president has to have immunity," Trump remarked. "And I think it was made clear, I hope it is very clear that a president has to have immunity."
Trump echoed previous arguments, stating that without immunity, the president's role would be diminished to a merely "ceremonial" position.
"That's not what the founders had in mind," Trump argued. "We want presidents that can get quite amazing—quite amazing."
Trump commended the Supreme Court justices for their sharp legal minds and anticipated a positive outcome in the immunity case.
"So let's see how that turns out," he remarked. "But again, I say presidential immunity is very powerful. Presidential immunity is imperative, or you practically won't have a country anymore."
The Supreme Court's decision on the matter is expected by mid-June. Trump's ongoing legal battles will continue to impact his political ambitions as he prepares for the 2024 presidential race.
