The US Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling, explained -- and what it means for when Trump could stand trial

The additional fact-finding the justices ordered in the election subversion case in Washington could take months — and subsequent appeals could drag that process out even longer.

If Trump wins election in November, he could, after his January swearing in, order the Justice Department to abandon the case as well as his classified documents case in Florida, both of which consist of federal charges.

He would have no such authority over the Georgia case, which was brought by state prosecutors. But those proceedings are currently stalled while the state’s Court of Appeals reviews a judge’s decision to allow Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, to remain on the case despite a romantic relationship she had with a special prosecutor she hired to try the case in court.

If Trump were to win election before that case were ready for trial, it would likely be stayed by a court until after he completes his term in office.

How are people reacting to the Supreme Court ruling?

Trump was quick to declare victory on Monday.

“BIG WIN FOR OUR CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY,” he posted on his social media platform Truth Social shortly after the release of the court’s decision. “PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”

The court’s liberal justices, however, characterized their colleagues’ decision a travesty that grants presidents license to abuse the powers of their office with impunity.

“Today’s decision … reshapes the institution of the presidency,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a scathing dissent. “It makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of government, that no man is above the law.”

Biden’s campaign, meanwhile, questioned not only the ruling but also the integrity of justices who made it.

“Donald Trump wants to be a dictator. He wants unchecked power,” deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks told reporters Monday afternoon. “He put justices on the court who ripped away freedoms from Americans and then gave him the freedom to do whatever he wants today.”

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(Staff writer Nick Vadala contributed to this article.)

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