Eric Trump voiced concerns on Fox News about the risks of not granting former presidents immunity, emphasizing the legal consequences for all past and future presidents.
The Washington Examiner reported that during his appearance on "Sunday Morning Futures" hosted by Maria Bartiromo, Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, explored the implications of a possible Supreme Court decision that could deny his father, former President Donald Trump, immunity from prosecution. This discussion follows a week of intense oral arguments in the Supreme Court, revealing a divide among the justices.
The conservative justices expressed apprehensions about the long-term effects such a precedent could set on the efficacy of the presidency. Conversely, the liberal justices seemed worried about granting what could potentially allow a president unchecked powers akin to those of a "lawless King."
Eric Trump specifically cited examples from past administrations that could invite legal scrutiny if immunity were not upheld. He mentioned former President Barack Obama's "Fast and Furious" gun-walking operation and accusations of the IRS being used to target conservative groups.
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, warned that if the Supreme Court does not issue his father immunity, prosecutors will' go after every single president.'
He spoke about his father's challenges with numerous legal proceedings, suggesting that such distractions could hinder a president's ability to govern effectively. According to Eric Trump, this could set a dangerous precedent where every administration moving forward could be mired in litigation rather than governance.
Eric Trump articulated a scenario where no former or future president could escape legal challenges, which could transform the political landscape into one dominated by legal battles rather than policy-making. This, he argued, could deter capable individuals from pursuing the presidency.
He stated:
God help us if they get it wrong, that’s what I take away. I know the system very, very well. The only people who are going to benefit are the big law firms in Washington, D.C., because they are going to go after every single president.
He also predicted dire consequences for current President Joe Biden, suggesting that legal actions would begin swiftly were this precedent set. This statement underscores the widespread implications and the potential continuous cycle of retribution among political opponents that could ensue.
Reflecting on the oral arguments at the Supreme Court, Eric Trump expressed his deep understanding of the system and the critical stakes involved. He highlighted the serious consequences that a ruling against presidential immunity could entail, not just for his father but for all who hold or have held the office.
"We can’t have this legal lawfare in this country; we need a president to be able to function and run the United States of America," he argued, stressing the importance of immunity in ensuring a president can govern effectively.
In concluding his interview, Eric Trump hoped for a favorable decision, emphasizing that the inability of a president to function without constant legal interruptions could severely cripple the administrative capabilities of the highest office in the nation.
This ongoing debate touches upon fundamental questions about the balance of powers, the accountability of the highest office, and the political implications of legal decisions. The Supreme Court's decision, expected in June, will likely have profound implications on how the presidency is conducted in the future and how past presidents are regarded in legal retrospect.
