Supreme Court to Write ‘Rule for the Ages’ in Trump Immunity Case

The eventual opinion is expected to be a game-changer for how courts view presidential power.

A view of the US Supreme Court as the court hears arguments on the immunity of former US President Donald Trump, on April 25, 2024, in Washington, DC. The Court will hear arguments Thursday on whether Trump, as a former president, should be immune from criminal prosecution for acts he committed while in office. The ruling could have far-reaching implications for the extent of US executive power -- and Trump's multiple legal issues as he seeks the White House again. Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP

The Supreme Court indicated during oral argument on April 25 that its decision in former President Donald Trump’s immunity appeal would significantly impact future administrations—not to mention President Trump’s ongoing criminal cases.

“We’re writing a rule for the ages,” Justice Neil Gorsuch said during oral argument. He and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson both made clear they were concerned about cases beyond President Trump’s, which has forced the court to grapple with what constitutes a president’s official conduct.