Supreme Court rules Trump can claim some immunity. Here's how SC politicians reacted.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump can claim immunity from prosecution. The landmark decision could delay the trial relating to the case accusing Trump of planning to overturn the 2020 election.

In February, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump could not claim immunity from special counsel Jack Smith’s charges that he attempted to overturn the 2020 election while he was president.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court says former presidents can claim immunity for official actions.

“The President is not above the law. But Congress may not criminalize the President’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the Executive Branch under the Constitution,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

Supreme Court forces lengthy review: Is Trump immune from charges because he was president?

The split decision came down to partisan lines, with only liberal judges Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting. Justice Sotomayor wrote a scathing opinion, ending the dissent by saying, “With fear for our democracy, I dissent.”

“Today’s decision to grant former President’s criminal immunity reshapes the institution of the Presidency. It makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law,” Justice Sotomayor wrote.

The former president called the decision a “big win for our constitution and democracy” on Truth Social.

Here’s how South Carolina’s politicians reacted on social media.

Sen. Lindsey Graham

“The Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity will serve the presidency and the nation well in the future. Presidents have specific designated constitutional authorities and responsibilities such as being commander in chief, negotiating treaties, the appointment of high public officials, and the ability to decide whether or not crimes are investigated or prosecuted.

“These core constitutional authorities specifically granted to the presidency must come with absolute immunity, or we will have chaos in America forever. What defines an ‘official act’ will be determined by factual analysis going forward, with the presumption in favor of immunity. This makes perfect sense to me.

“The Supreme Court’s dissent in this case is foolish in every way, particularly Justice Sotomayor and Justice Jackson’s argument that this decision allows a president to assassinate their opponent. The liberal members of the Court and the Left have lost their minds when it comes to President Trump.

“What does this mean? It means that Jack Smith’s January 6 case has deservedly been dealt a severe blow and that from now on, presidents will be less likely to be politically persecuted by out-of-control state and federal officials who use the law as a political weapon.

“Today is a good day for President Trump and a good day for America.”

U.S. Rep. William Timmons, 4th Congressional District

"Joe Biden’s bad week just got worse. For years, President Trump has been a target of lawfare and political persecution from Joe Biden and his administration. Today’s ruling from the Supreme Court on presidential immunity is a win for the Constitution and the rule of law."

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, 5th Congressional District

"Very important ruling out of SCOTUS today. Big win for the U.S. Constitution."

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, 3rd Congressional District

"#SCOTUS vindicated President Trump by affirming the right of Presidential immunity. They have now ordered lower Courts to review the case considering this immunity. What they will find is that both Jack Smith and Fani Willis are bringing cases against Trump in violation of his Presidential immunity. That means these bogus cases against President Trump must come to an end! This is justice for #Trump!"

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, 1st Congressional District

"Presidential immunity for official acts is essential for any president to perform their constitutional duties without fear of political prosecution. This precedent, supported by Nixon v. Fitzgerald and the Constitution, must apply to all presidents to uphold our democratic process."

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina politicians react to Supreme Court immunity ruling