Former President Donald Trump has requested immunity from the Supreme Court for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results, which led to the infamous January 6 attack on the Capitol. Trump's legal team filed a brief outlining their arguments ahead of the oral arguments scheduled for April 25, claiming that he should enjoy absolute immunity for any official acts he undertook as president.

According to Trump's lawyers, granting him immunity is crucial for the functioning of the presidency, as facing criminal prosecution for official acts after leaving office would hinder future presidents and leave them vulnerable to blackmail and extortion. Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team are hoping for a swift ruling against Trump, as they aim to hold a criminal trial before the upcoming November presidential election. Smith's brief is expected to be submitted on April 8.

The Supreme Court, which consists of a 6-3 conservative majority, including three Trump appointees, will be delving into the legal question of whether a former president is entitled to presidential immunity for acts carried out during their tenure. Trump has previously lost this argument in two different courts. However, his lawyers contend that this case revolves around the unique powers granted to the president under the Constitution, citing a 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Nixon v. Fitzgerald that established immunity for presidents in civil cases related to their authority.

Trump's legal team also suggested that if the Supreme Court rejects their bid to dismiss the charges outright, they could potentially seek further fact-finding on whether the charges in question concern official acts. This would result in a delay in the trial proceedings.

Meanwhile, Smith's team has consistently argued that former presidents do not possess broad immunity that shields them from prosecution for criminal acts committed while in office. They assert that attempts to undermine the transfer of power using fraudulent means should not be considered official acts.

The indictment against Trump includes four counts, including charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. Despite being charged, Trump has pleaded not guilty. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, based in Washington, had previously rejected Trump's plea for immunity in December. This decision was upheld by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in February, prompting Trump to turn to the Supreme Court.

The outcome of this case will have significant implications for future presidents and the extent of their immunity for actions taken during their tenure in office. The Supreme Court's ruling will be eagerly awaited as it tackles this complex and crucial legal question.