During Supreme Court arguments regarding Donald Trump’s claim of immunity from prosecution for actions related to his 2020 election loss, conservative justices hinted at supporting some level of protection for presidents from criminal charges.

While they seemed skeptical of Trump’s claim of “absolute immunity,” they expressed concern about presidents lacking any form of immunity, particularly for less severe actions.

The eventual ruling may narrow the charges against Trump but likely won’t eliminate them entirely, the Associated Press reported.

Justices highlighted the potential destabilizing effect on democracy if outgoing presidents faced vindictive prosecution by the incoming administration.

Trump, facing multiple criminal cases, including the election-related charges in question, pleaded not guilty.

Written by B.C. Begley