Former President Donald Trump has requested the Supreme Court to extend a delay in his trial for attempting to overturn the result of the 2020 US election, claiming immunity from prosecution. His lawyers have filed an emergency appeal, urging the justices to pause a ruling made by a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court in Washington, which rejected his claim of immunity and ruled that the trial could proceed. The ruling meant that Trump could face prosecution for his actions while in office, including the events leading up to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

In their appeal, Trump's lawyers argued that without immunity from criminal prosecution, the presidency as it is known would cease to exist. They further contended that conducting a months-long criminal trial during the height of the election season would significantly disrupt Trump's ability to campaign against President Joe Biden, who he is expected to run against in the next election. The Supreme Court's decision on whether to extend the delay could ultimately determine whether Trump stands trial before the November election.

The case was brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, who has been pushing for the trial to take place this year. However, Trump has repeatedly sought to delay the proceedings. If Trump were to win the election and serve a second term, he could potentially use his federal powers to halt the prosecution or even pardon himself for any federal crimes.

The Supreme Court now faces the option to reject the emergency appeal, allowing the trial to resume in Washington's federal court, or to extend the delay while arguments on the issue of immunity are heard. Trump's lawyers have indicated that they will also seek the involvement of the full bench of judges at the federal appeals court in Washington before filing a formal appeal to the Supreme Court. This additional step could potentially delay the restart of trial preparations by weeks or even months.

The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for Trump's political future and the broader understanding of presidential immunity from criminal prosecution. As the overwhelming favorite to secure the Republican nomination for the next election, the decision of the Supreme Court will shape the course of Trump's potential trial and its impact on the political landscape.