Where do Trump’s legal cases stand after massive election win?
The Justice Department’s announcement that it is seeking to wind down two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his second term has brought his legal troubles into the spotlight once again. With two other cases still pending, let’s take a look at the timeline of Trump’s legal battles following his first departure from the Oval Office.
Federal Cases:
Classified Documents Case:
In June 2023, Trump was indicted on 37 federal counts related to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, as part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his team initially sought a partial pause citing a Supreme Court ruling that a former president has immunity from prosecution for official acts. However, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July, finding that Smith was improperly appointed as special counsel.
Smith appealed the decision in August, arguing that he was validly appointed by the Attorney General. The legal battle continued, with Trump maintaining his innocence throughout the process.
Election Interference Case:
In August 2023, Smith filed another indictment against Trump, this time on four federal charges related to election interference. Trump pleaded not guilty and argued for immunity from prosecution for official acts done as president. The Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity in July sent the matter back to a lower court for further consideration.
A second indictment was filed in August, narrowing the allegations against Trump after the Supreme Court ruling. The case proceeded, with Smith laying out the evidence he would use in a potential trial against the president-elect. Trump’s team moved to dismiss Smith from the case in late October, challenging his appointment.
State Cases:
Manhattan Hush Money Case:
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicted Trump in 2023 on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump pleaded not guilty, but was later found guilty on all counts, becoming the first former president to be convicted of a crime. He appealed the decision, and the sentencing date was postponed multiple times.
Trump’s team requested the case be moved to federal court in October, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. The case remains ongoing, with a decision pending on Trump’s motion to vacate.
Georgia Election Case:
In August 2023, Trump was indicted in Georgia following a criminal investigation into his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state. Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the case faced setbacks when charges were dismissed for lack of detail. The case was further complicated by reports of an improper affair involving the prosecutor.
The legal battle in Georgia was paused by the Court of Appeals in June, pending a decision on disqualifying the prosecutor. Trump’s argument for disqualification is set to be heard in December, after the election.
As the legal challenges continue to unfold, the American people await the resolution of Trump’s legal troubles and the impact it may have on his political future. The complexities of the cases, spanning federal and state courts, highlight the legal jeopardy facing the former president as he prepares for his second term in office.
