As he endeavors to secure another term in the White House, former President Trump finds himself entangled in the complexities of legal battles, with four separate criminal prosecutions looming over him, alongside two civil trials that have already resulted in significant financial penalties.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the ongoing cases as primary elections gain momentum nationwide, shedding light on what to anticipate in the weeks ahead:
Review of Presidential Immunity by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court’s decision this week to tackle the issue of presidential immunity dealt a substantial setback to special counsel Jack Smith’s plans to swiftly prosecute Trump for actions linked to his endeavors to undermine the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Originally slated to commence next Monday, the trial’s timeline might now be deferred until after the 2024 presidential election.
Judge Tanya Chutkan, presiding over the trial, dismissed Trump’s assertion of immunity from criminal charges stemming from “official acts” during his tenure, asserting that the Constitution doesn’t grant former presidents absolute immunity for past offenses.
Trump (Credits: Politico)
In December, Smith urged the Supreme Court to expedite the consideration of this matter, aiming for a resolution by March. However, the justices declined, transferring the question to the Court of Appeals for the D.C Circuit, which ruled against Trump in early February. Trump promptly appealed to the Supreme Court, which announced on Wednesday its intention to hear arguments on the matter during the week of April 22. A written ruling from the high court is anticipated by the end of June.
The trial remains on hold pending the resolution of the presidential immunity question, with Trump’s legal team signaling the need for several weeks of preparation once the trial proceeds. Potential new objections could further prolong the process. Furthermore, the Justice Department’s policy of avoiding prosecutions that could influence pending elections might impede a fall trial featuring the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
Classified Documents
Several challenges pertinent to the trial concerning the subversion of the 2020 election could arise, particularly in the case concerning Trump’s handling of classified documents and alleged efforts to obstruct the government’s retrieval of said documents from his Mar-a-Lago estate, resulting in 41 felony charges.
On February 23, Trump’s legal team filed multiple motions seeking dismissal of the case, citing presidential immunity, selective prosecution, and contesting Smith’s appointment. Despite efforts by Trump’s co-defendants to access classified records, Judge Aileen Cannon denied their request. Cannon ruled against granting Trump’s legal team access to classified filings submitted by the special counsel’s office regarding the contents of the seized documents.
A hearing held by Cannon on Friday addressed potential adjustments to the trial date to accommodate dismissal requests and allow Trump and his co-conspirators more time to build their defense.
New York Civil Fraud Suit
In New York, Associate Justice Anil C. Singh of the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division rejected Trump’s plea to accept a $100-million bond or postpone enforcement of a fine exceeding $450 million while he pursues an appeal. Trump’s attorneys hinted at the possibility of property sales due to the financial repercussions.
In mid-February, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron imposed fines totaling $450 million after finding Trump and others guilty of providing false information to financial institutions and insurance companies to secure loans at lower rates. Alongside the fines, Engoron barred Trump and his adult sons from holding top positions in New York corporations for several years.
Trump’s legal team filed a notice of intent to appeal Engoron’s decision, necessitating the posting of a bond for the full judgment amount. This ruling followed an $83.3-million judgment against Trump for defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll, stemming from allegations of sexual assault in the 1990s.
New York Hush Money Case
Delayed by the Supreme Court’s intervention on the issue of presidential immunity, the first felony case Trump is expected to face revolves around allegations of falsifying business records to conceal his attorney Michael Cohen’s $130,000 payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels in the waning days of the 2016 campaign to secure her silence regarding an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.
Jury selection is slated to commence on March 25. Prosecutors recently petitioned Judge Juan Manuel Merchan to prohibit Trump from making public statements about potential witnesses and jurors, as well as statements intended to disrupt or intimidate the court’s personnel or prosecution team.
Georgia Election Subversion Case
In the coming days, the outcome will be revealed regarding Trump’s efforts, alongside his co-conspirators, to disqualify Fulton County Dist. Atty. Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade from pursuing charges due to their personal relationship.
Following a whirlwind seven-week period marked by hearings replete with sensational revelations, text messages, and impassioned appeals, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee heard closing arguments on Friday concerning the potential disqualification of the district attorney’s office from pursuing charges against Trump and his allies for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
This case represents Trump’s sole state-level legal challenge stemming from his post-election endeavors to retain power after losing to Joe Biden.
Willis has proposed an August trial date, but depending on the shifting timelines of federal trials, she might opt for an earlier date in the summer.
