Monitoring Desk
WASHINGTON: The US Justice Department said on Thursday that ex-President Donald Trump can be sued by police and others wounded in the January 6 assault by his supporters on US Capitol.
In a formal legal opinion submitted to a court in Washington, the US Justice Department said that while US President enjoys immunity for his actions in office but the President can be sued for actions judged outside of his official responsibilities.
US Justice Department and Trump
The legal opinion was submitted at the demand of the court, which is hearing a suit by eleven lawmakers and two police officials claiming wounds during the January 6 assault. Former President Donald Trump claimed protection from being sued by his complete immunity.
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The US Justice Department said the court should dismiss Donald Trump’s categorical argument. The Department added that as head of state and leader, the president has a great power to talk to his citizens but that function is one of public communication, not incitement of imminent violence.
The department further said that it was not remarking on the merits of the case — whether or not Trump did to incite violence — but only hinted that doing so was not covered by his immunity.
