J.D. Vance celebrates Trump's 'massive win' in immunity case, other Ohio politicians react

Ohio Republicans took a victory lap on Monday after the Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump can't be tried for his official acts as president — a move that complicates and delays Trump's Jan. 6 case.

In a 6-3 ruling, the conservative majority determined that Trump can only be prosecuted for trying to overturn the 2020 election if he acted in an "unofficial" capacity. Justices instructed lower courts to decide whether Trump's conduct at the time was official or private, all but guaranteeing that the case won't be resolved before the November election.

"The president is not above the law," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. "But under our system of separated powers, the president may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers, and he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for his official acts."

The three liberals on the court dissented, with Justice Sonya Sotomayor saying the decision "reshapes the institution of the presidency."

"When (the president) uses his official powers in any way, under the majority’s reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution," Sotomayor wrote. "Orders the Navy’s Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival? Immune. Organizes a military coup to hold onto power? Immune. Takes a bribe in exchange for a pardon? Immune."

In Ohio, Trump's allies were quick to praise the decision as a victory for the former president.

"A massive win, not just for Trump but the rule of law," said Sen. J.D. Vance, who's on the shortlist for Trump's vice-presidential running mate. "I’m still digesting, but this may well destroy all of Jack Smith’s case against the president."

A spokesperson for Sen. Sherrod Brown's campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Brown's opponent, Republican businessman Bernie Moreno, said the decision is a "loss for Joe Biden and his allies who attempted to weaponize the justice system against their top political opponent."

Other Democrats argued the decision sets a dangerous precedent and empowers future leaders to commit crimes.

In a statement, Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, called the ruling a "disturbing setback for our democracy" that weakens safeguards against presidential abuses of power. State Rep. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, said it's important for President Joe Biden to win in November so he can fill any future Supreme Court vacancies.

"The Court's ruling makes clear how truly horrifying a second Trump presidency would be," Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Cincinnati, posted on X. "He was unhinged with rules in places. Now, there would be no boundaries if he wins, no safeguards. Our democracy would be upended. Our lives upended. We have to win."

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Supreme Court decision on Trump immunity reverberates in Ohio