WASHINGTON — Today, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Damon Hewitt issued the following statement in response to the Smith v. Trump ruling. The court found that President Donald Trump is not immune from civil liability for his actions related to the January 6 insurrection, and that the U.S. cannot substitute itself for the president as a defendant on the assault and battery claims under the Westfall Act. This case was consolidated with other January 6-related cases and was ruled on under Lee, et al. v. Trump, et al.
“Today’s ruling affirming that Donald Trump is not immune from civil liability is a monumental victory for the rule of law, affirming that no one, including the president of the United States, is above it.
“The court rightly recognizes that President Trump’s actions leading to the January 6 insurrection fell outside the scope of presidential duties. This ruling is an important step toward accountability for the violent attack on the Capitol and our democracy. Also, it rightfully validates our clients’ profoundly courageous pursuit of justice in the face of such political violence.
“This is a pivotal moment for our nation. But, our work is far from finished. The Lawyers’ Committee remains deeply committed to continuing our litigation against other January 6 defendants, including the Proud Boys. We will continue to seek justice on behalf of the Capitol police officers who stood up to the violence of January 6 so the rest of us may continue to live in a democracy where all our votes count.”
