Donald Trump's lawyer John Sauer stuns judge by championing presidential immunity for political rival assassinations

John Sauer argued that under certain circumstances a president could order to assassinate a political rival and not face prosecution
PUBLISHED APR 25, 2024
Donald Trump's lawyer John Sauer (L) claimed that president-ordered killings of political rivals should be considered 'official acts' (YouTube/David Pakman Show and Getty Images)
Donald Trump's lawyer John Sauer (L) claimed that president-ordered killings of political rivals should be considered 'official acts' (YouTube/David Pakman Show and Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump's lawyer John Sauer's staggering claim left Justice Sonia Sotomayor utterly stunned.

Sauer defended his client when he and Sotomayor were involved in an exchange over whether presidential immunity covers the assassination of political rivals during Thursday’s Supreme Court hearing, on April 25. 

The 49-year-old previously argued that under certain circumstances a president could order Seal Team Six to assassinate a political rival and not face prosecution, at an appeal hearing on former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 22:  Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor receives the Leadership Award
Justice Sonia Sotomayor was utterly stunned after Donald Trump's lawyer John Sauer made a staggering claim (Getty Images)

The topic came up again during the Supreme Court Hearing

During the court hearing, the associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States asked Sauer, "Now I think. What? And then your, answer, below, I’m going to give you a chance to say if you stay by it, if the president decides that his rival is a corrupt person and he orders the military or orders someone to assassinate him, is that within his official acts that for which he can get immunity?"

Sauer replied, "It would depend on the hypothetical. What we can see that could well be an official act," as per Mediaite.



 

Sotomayor then asked in turn, "He could. And why? Because he’s doing it for personal reasons. He’s not doing it. Like President Obama is alleged to have done it to protect the country from a terrorist. He’s doing it for personal gain. And isn’t that the nature of the allegations here, that he’s not doing them, doing these acts in furtherance of an official responsibility? He’s doing it for personal gain."

"I agree with that characterization of the indictment. And that confirms immunity, because the characterization is that there’s a series of official acts that were done for an honorable," Sauer firmly replied.

The exchange continued and turned to a discussion over the distinction between absolute and qualified immunity as it applies to the Executive Branch, or in particular, the President of the United States. Trump has argued for absolute immunity as a defense against the several criminal indictments he is currently facing.



 

Internet reacts after Sauer's shocking claims 

Netizens were also left stunned after Trump's lawyer made the shocking claims. "Hmmm….Is that so? Does that mean we could rid ourselves of Maga republicans 'officially,'" asked one and another opined, "I see a certain lawyer not being able to find a job anywhere in the US soon. That's all I see here." 



 



 

"Trump’s heinous arguments make it all the more clear that his legal position is without merit. Trump's immunity is illegal," one user echoed. Another tweeted, "That's why the impeachment process was drafted, Congress rules on matters concerning the president."



 



 

"This is how Trump becomes a dictator of the US without losing the election. When the laws of the land are bent to prepare the way for him to do so. When he has been granted the freedom to act as a dictator before he takes the position," tweeted one user. 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

Robert De Niro said Trump 'is not going to leave the White House' and urges Americans to 'strap on their balls and do something about it'
1 hour ago
The new aircraft is to be used to replace an older plane flown by Kristi Noem
6 hours ago
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats blocked the GOP's eighth attempt to reopen the government
4 days ago
California already allows trans athletes to compete in school sports based on their gender identity
4 days ago
Pete Hegseth says 'Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right' as top outlets reject new media restrictions and risk losing credentials
4 days ago
Donald Trump said a very wealthy donor offered to personally cover troop pay if government shutdown funds fall short
5 days ago
The six people are from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Paraguay, and South Africa
5 days ago
President Donald Trump blamed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown and confirmed ending several Democrat-backed federal programs
7 days ago
Donald Trump criticized Chuck Schumer over the shutdown and said he directed Pete Hegseth to use funds to ensure troops are paid on October 15
Oct 12, 2025
Several progressives who have long called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have not yet commented on the agreement’s terms or timeline
Oct 10, 2025