Judge Rules Trump Not Immune for Jan. 6 Actions, Georgia Phone Call

Federal judge says Trump's speech on Jan. 6 was not covered by presidential immunity.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:48pm

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A federal judge ruled that a civil suit against former President Donald Trump for his actions on January 6, 2021, can continue. The judge said Trump's speech on the Ellipse that day was not covered by presidential immunity, and his phone call to the Georgia Secretary of State asking him to "find" more votes was an act of an office-seeker, not an incumbent president.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant blow to Trump's efforts to avoid accountability for his role in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. It opens the door for a trial that could reveal more details about Trump's actions and involvement in the events of that day, as well as his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

The details

District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Trump's speech on the Ellipse on January 6 was not covered by the Supreme Court's immunity ruling, meaning it could be considered as part of the civil suit brought by Democratic lawmakers and Oakland Mayor Barbara J. Lee. The judge also said Trump's phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger asking him to "find" more votes was an effort "to alter the outcome of Georgia's election, not those of an incumbent President acting in his official capacity."

  • On January 4, 2021, Trump met with Katrina Pierson, a senior campaign advisor, to discuss the rally's production elements and speaker list.
  • On January 6, 2021, Trump delivered a speech on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who is facing a civil suit for his actions on January 6, 2021 and his phone call to the Georgia Secretary of State.

Amit Mehta

A federal judge who ruled that Trump's actions on January 6 and his phone call to Georgia are not covered by presidential immunity.

Barbara J. Lee

The mayor of Oakland, California, who is one of the plaintiffs in the civil suit against Trump.

Brad Raffensperger

The Georgia Secretary of State whom Trump called and asked to "find" more votes.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman who is one of the plaintiffs in the civil suit against Trump.

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What they’re saying

“We're very pleased that the court recognized that President Trump cannot avoid accountability for his conduct on Jan. 6, 2021. This decision, if it holds up, is going to pave the way to a trial in federal district court on these claims.”

— Joseph Sellers, Attorney for the plaintiffs

“The facts show that on January 6, 2021, President Trump was acting on behalf of the American people, carrying out his official duties as President of the United States. President Trump will continue to fight back against the Democrat Witch Hoaxes and keep delivering historic results for the American People.”

— Trump's legal team

“Donald Trump thinks he can get away with murder. This lawsuit is long overdue for his hand in the destruction of our Capitol and the attack on our democracy on January 6. This case is for my colleagues, the brave Capitol Police officers, Americans everywhere, and the future of our nation. Those who incited and fueled the violence must be held responsible. I'm thankful that we will get some accountability and some measure of closure from that dark day. And that finally, the truth will come to light. We deserve it.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell, Democratic Congressman and plaintiff

What’s next

The judge's ruling means the civil suit against Trump can now proceed to trial, where more details about his actions on January 6th and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia are likely to be revealed.

The takeaway

This ruling is a significant legal setback for Trump as he tries to avoid accountability for his role in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol and his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. It opens the door for a trial that could provide more clarity and transparency around these events.