The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Donald Trump may claim immunity from criminal prosecution for certain actions undertaken during the final days of his presidency.

This ruling provides Trump with a crucial shield against impending legal challenges, particularly a potential criminal trial in Washington, D.C., on federal charges that he conspired to overturn the 2020 election results.

The federal district court judge overseeing Trump’s case had previously determined that his actions, including pressuring state and federal officials to change electoral votes, did not constitute “official acts.”

However, the Supreme Court’s decision allows Trump to appeal this ruling, potentially delaying the trial for an extended period as reported by USA Today on July 1, 2024.

As it stands, no start date for the trial is listed on the court docket, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the proceedings.

Legal experts suggest that Trump’s appeals could significantly postpone any trial.

Bradley P. Moss, a Washington lawyer specializing in national security cases, stated that Trump will face trial on the federal January 6 charges “only if he loses in November, and even then it’ll take probably two years.”

This underscores the lengthy and complex nature of the legal process, which can be extended through strategic appeals and procedural challenges.

The implications of this delay are substantial, especially as Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election.

If Trump wins the election and takes office, he could order the Justice Department to dismiss the federal case against him, a move likely to provoke significant political pushback from Democrats.

This potential scenario raises questions about the balance of power and the intersection of legal accountability and political influence.

The Supreme Court’s ruling touches on fundamental issues of presidential immunity and the scope of actions considered official.

By allowing Trump to claim immunity for some of his actions, the Court has set a precedent that will likely influence future cases involving presidential conduct.

This decision not only impacts Trump’s immediate legal battles but also shapes the broader legal landscape concerning presidential powers.

The delay in Trump’s trial has political ramifications as well. For President Joe Biden, the shift in focus to Trump’s legal challenges provides a temporary reprieve from the intense scrutiny of the presidential campaign.

Meanwhile, Trump’s ability to leverage legal maneuvers to his advantage keeps his campaign momentum intact, avoiding the potential disruptions of a high-profile trial.