Trump prosecutor calls immunity bid in documents case a delay tactic

U.S. prosecutors on Thursday accused Donald Trump of bringing a “frivolous”claim of presidential immunity in the criminal case accusing him of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.
The move by Special Counsel Jack Smith is an effort to block the former president from using an immunity claim to delay trial, after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments next month on his claims of immunity in a separate case accusing him of trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
Immunity claims, unlike other legal issues addressed before a trial, can usually be immediately appealed. Trump’s immunity appeal in the election-related case has caused months of delay.
Smith said all the conduct charged in a 40-count indictment against Trump occurred after he left the White House in January 2021 and would not be covered even if presidents are entitled to protection against criminal prosecution for official actions.