After previously indicating that he would submit an appeal, former President Trump and his legal team have now decided against doing so now that a court has determined he is not immune from civil lawsuits that hold him accountable for the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
Due to Trump’s decision not to appeal his broader claim of immunity to the Supreme Court, lawsuits that aim to establish his liability for the events of January 6 can proceed.
Thursday was the deadline for the former president to file a petition challenging the December decision of the appeals court.
In December, a three-judge panel agreed unanimously that Trump could be held liable under U.S. Supreme Court precedent for his post-election efforts to alter the results of the 2020 presidential election, since he did so as a presidential candidate and not as president.
In a filing in early January, Trump’s legal team indicated that it would appeal the appellate court’s decision.
In the absence of an appeal for the Supreme Court to consider, the three-judge panel on Friday formally remanded the litigation to the trial court, where it will proceed.
Several Democratic legislators and two former U.S. Capitol Police officers filed a lawsuit against the current Republican front-runner in 2021, alleging that he violated a law that prohibited government officials from being prevented from performing their duties through the use of force, threats, or intimidation.
It was requested that the appellate court determine whether or not Trump’s false allegations of election fraud and his call for supporters to assemble at the Capitol and “fight like hell” exceeded the scope of his presidential duties.
A distinct, ongoing immunity case pertains to Trump.
In order to remain in power following the 2020 election, some allege that he participated in multiple criminal conspiracies, to which he has pleaded not guilty to four counts of felony.
A judge has denied his claim to presidential immunity, and he has petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the trial pending the outcome of his appeal in the matter.
[READ MORE: Verdict Reached in Trump Fraud Trial]
