The US Supreme Court says it will decide whether former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution on charges of trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election.

The top court made the announcement on Wednesday, setting the case for oral arguments during the week of April 22.

Trump claims that he has immunity for official acts during his tenure in office.

The former president filed an appeal with the Supreme Court after lower courts dismissed the claim.

The criminal case over the 2021 Capitol riot has been put on hold until a decision is finalized regarding Trump's claim of presidential immunity. The case was originally set for trial on March 4.

The top court's decision to hear arguments on Trump's immunity claim means a further delay in the criminal case that could affect this year's presidential election.