Former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Cannot Hide Behind Immunity
Meadows Argues for Immunity in Lawsuit Over Jan. 6 Riot
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows cannot hide behind immunity in a lawsuit over the Jan. 6 riot, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell rejected Meadows' argument that he is immune from being sued because he was acting within the scope of his employment as a top aide to then-President Donald Trump.
Howell said in her ruling that Meadows' actions on Jan. 6, when he was seen at the Capitol with Trump supporters who stormed the building, were not within the scope of his employment.
"The Court finds that Meadows' actions on January 6th were not within the scope of his employment as a senior advisor to the President," Howell wrote. "Meadows was not acting on behalf of the President or the United States when he participated in the events of January 6th."
The ruling is a significant victory for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which was filed by members of Congress who were present at the Capitol on Jan. 6.
The plaintiffs allege that Meadows and other Trump allies conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which led to the violence that occurred on Jan. 6.
Meadows has denied any wrongdoing, and his attorney has said that he will appeal the judge's ruling.
Conclusion
The judge's ruling is a reminder that even the highest-ranking government officials are not above the law. Meadows' actions on Jan. 6 were a clear attempt to undermine the democratic process, and he must be held accountable for his role in the riot.
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