Trump faces ongoing criminal trials despite re-election
Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House brings an unprecedented scenario. As a convicted felon awaiting sentencing in a New York case and with multiple other state and federal cases still looming, Trump is the first president to face criminal charges.
New York
In New York, Judge Juan Merchan plans to sentence Trump later this month for a conviction earlier this year involving 34 counts of falsifying business records. The charges are related to a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, which she alleges was intended to cover up an affair (a claim Trump denies). Merchan originally postponed sentencing to avoid influencing the presidential race, and Trump’s attorneys are now expected to request further delay. With the former president-elect’s legal team preparing appeals, Trump’s sentencing might be postponed even longer if the courts allow.
However, the case’s outcome hinges on Merchan's looming decision. He faces a 12 November deadline to determine whether to nullify the conviction, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that could extend presidential immunity protections. If Merchan overturns the conviction, Trump’s sentencing would be canceled, and the charges dismissed. However, should Merchan uphold the conviction, Trump’s lawyers are likely to pursue a lengthy appeal process that could reach the US Supreme Court, potentially stalling any sentencing decision for months. If sentencing proceeds without delay, Trump could face up to four years in prison.
Washington DC and Florida
Beyond New York, Trump’s legal challenges extend to Washington DC and Florida, where he faces charges related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents. Special Counsel Jack Smith, appointed by the Department of Justice, leads these investigations. Trump has publicly stated his intent to dismiss Smith and end the federal cases if re-elected. Firing Smith could enable Trump’s administration to drop the charges, effectively halting proceedings.
Georgia
Meanwhile, in Georgia, Trump faces criminal charges over his alleged efforts to reverse the 2020 election results. Currently, these charges are on hold as an appeals court considers whether District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from the case. Legal experts suggest it is unlikely a state judge would allow the case to proceed while Trump is in office, and Trump’s team is expected to push for dismissal if the matter remains unresolved during his presidency.
Trump also contends with a series of civil lawsuits, including those concerning his role in the 6 January, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Other pending civil cases involve defamation lawsuits brought by E. Jean Carroll, as well as a major civil fraud suit from the New York Attorney General. This latter case has already resulted in Trump being ordered to pay nearly 454 million USD in damages.
© ALLISON BAILEY / ABACAPRESS.COM
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