The US Supreme Court said it will rule on Donald Trump's bid for immunity from criminal prosecution, taking up a historic case that will determine whether the former president stands trial for 2020 election interference while campaigning for a return to the White House.

The move keeps Trump's trial in Washington on hold while the high court hears arguments on an expedited basis. Trump has been pushing to delay any trial until after the November election as the presidential campaign kicks into high gear.

The court said it will hear arguments the week of April 22, a schedule that could still allow for a trial before the election, though with little margin for further delays. The Supreme Court term typically ends in late June, though the justices could rule before then.

The Supreme Court's decision to tackle the immunity question is a setback for Special Counsel Jack Smith, though not necessarily a fatal one for his case. Smith had urged the justices to turn Trump away and let the trial begin. As an alternative, Smith said the court should hear arguments on a fast-track basis, urging a March argument date.

Smith's office declined to comment Wednesday. Trump was pleased about the decision and started fundraising about an hour after the news.

'Without Presidential Immunity, a President will not be able to properly function,' Trump said in a post on social media.

The Supreme Court has never taken up the question of whether a former president is immune from criminal charges for actions taken while in office. The case will be the court's second unprecedented Trump showdown this year, joining a clash over the ability of states to bar him from the ballot because of his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The court said in its one-page order it will consider: 'Whether and if so to what extent does a former President enjoy presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office.'