The US Justice Department is reportedly looking to wind down two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, in adherence to a longstanding policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president.
Officials referenced a 2000 memo from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which argues that prosecuting a sitting president would violate the separation of powers doctrine and interfere with executive functions.
The OLC memo, rooted in arguments from the Watergate era, asserts that “an impeachment proceeding is the only appropriate way to deal with a President while in office,” as any criminal indictment could disrupt the presidency’s operations.
The Justice Department’s stance underscores a policy that prioritises the uninterrupted functioning of the executive branch, reinforcing the immunity of the president from criminal prosecution while in office.
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