Last Monday, Donald J. Trump's lawyers asked a federal court to dismiss three civil lawsuits against the former president brought by protesters who were injured or harassed at his rallies. Trump's legal team argued that he is shielded from liability because he was acting within the scope of his presidential duties. This raises the question of whether former presidents have diplomatic immunity when traveling abroad.
The ex-president left Brazil for Florida a week before his supporters rioted in Brasilia. Analysts say his special diplomatic visa expired when he left office, which means he no longer enjoys the same level of legal protection as current US officials. However, former presidents do have some immunity under international law, which varies depending on the country they are visiting and the nature of their activities.
Honorary consuls were meant to foster ties between countries. However, accused terrorist financiers, arms traffickers, and drug runners are among those who have been appointed to these positions in recent years. This has led to concerns about whether they enjoy diplomatic immunity and what can be done to hold them accountable for their actions.
Former President Trump is attempting to claim absolute immunity from liability in three civil suits challenging his role in inciting an insurrection at the US Capitol in January. He argues that his speech was protected by the First Amendment and that he cannot be held responsible for the actions of his supporters. If successful, this could set a dangerous precedent for future presidents and their ability to be held accountable for their actions.
A rights group documenting alleged abuses in Sri Lanka has filed a criminal complaint with Singapore's attorney general, seeking the arrest of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The complaint alleges that Rajapaksa committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war. However, it is unclear whether he enjoys diplomatic immunity as a former head of state.
He's finally gone. At noon on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump's term expired, and he was stripped both of the powers of office and the legal protections that come with it. While he may still be entitled to some level of diplomatic immunity when traveling abroad, he is no longer shielded from civil or criminal liability for actions taken during his time in office.
Vladimir Putin has signed legislation that will grant former presidents of Russia lifetime immunity once they leave office. The law also extends immunity to their families and any property they own. Critics say this is an attempt to shield Putin and his allies from prosecution if they are ever forced out of power.
Former President Donald Trump argued in a court filing late Monday that he cannot be sued by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) for his role in inciting the January 6th insurrection. Trump's lawyers claim that he was acting within the scope of his presidential duties and is therefore immune from civil liability. However, legal experts say this argument is unlikely to hold up in court.
President Trump has revealed highly classified information inadvertently and deliberately while president. This has raised concerns about his ability to keep sensitive information secure and whether he should be held accountable for any national security breaches. While sitting presidents enjoy some level of immunity from criminal prosecution, former presidents are subject to the same laws as any other citizen.
