North Charlotte Today

Senator Thom Tillis has introduced the No More Political Prosecutions Act, a bill allowing Presidents and Vice Presidents, both current and former, to transfer their civil or criminal cases from state courts to federal courts. Co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Mike Lee (R-UT).

The proposed legislation amends an existing statute that already permits several federal officials, including Members of Congress and federal judges, to move their cases to federal court.

“Presidents and Vice Presidents have a right to a fair trial free from political interference, and they should never be targeted by partisan state prosecutors and judges looking to score political points,” said Senator Tillis. “The No More Political Prosecutions Act is commonsense legislation that provides Presidents and Vice Presidents (current and former) with the option to move their state cases to a federal court, the same option already provided to other federal officials and employees.”

Senator Graham added, “Given the behavior of the Manhattan DA and other liberal jurisdictions that have brought sham cases against President Trump, it is now time to plan for the future and allow federal officials who are victims of out-of-control state and local prosecutors a chance to move their cases from state court to federal court. The politicization of the legal system against President Trump has opened Pandora’s box. Giving federal officials the ability to move cases like this to federal court will be of tremendous benefit. I greatly appreciate Senator Tillis leading on this important issue.”

“No president or vice president should be plagued by cheap political prosecutions as a private citizen,” said Senator Budd. “I’m proud to join Senator Tillis’s effort to make sure that partisan lawfare does not prevail in American politics.”

Under current law, Members of Congress and federal judges can move civil or criminal cases from state courts to federal courts. This provision also applies to legislative officers, court personnel, Cabinet Secretaries along with their staff, and other federal agency workers. However, Presidents and Vice Presidents are among the few high-ranking officials unable to transfer their cases post-office.

State prosecutors and judges often face election or appointment by political figures such as state legislatures or governors. Federal judges are confirmed by the Senate for lifetime appointments which helps maintain independence from political pressures.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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