Trump says NY Judge Merchan ‘thinks he is above the Supreme Court’ after barring him from immunity arguments

Former President Donald Trump has criticized New York State Judge Arthur Engoron, alleging that he "thinks he is above the Supreme Court." This comes after Judge Engoron ruled that Trump cannot use presidential immunity as a defense in a civil investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is examining whether Trump's private business, the Trump Organization, manipulated its property values to obtain loans and tax benefits. Any claims of Presidential immunity are typically judged by federal courts rather than state courts. However, the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that the president does not have absolute immunity from state criminal subpoenas — a decision that allowed Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. to obtain Trump's tax records. Meanwhile, Judge Engoron's decision allows Attorney General James's civil investigation to continue unhindered. It's essential to stick to known facts and avoid making assumptions about any individual's thoughts or motives as judgments on these matters are made based on the judge’s interpretation of the law.