New job, old problems?Image: trapezoid
The winning Republican, Donald Trump, was charged in four criminal cases and was even convicted in New York of concealing hush-money payments. However, Trump has proven that he is a master of delay and obstruction when it comes to legal matters. Several cases are pending against him. With Trump reelected to the White House, that process may now collapse like a house of cards. Overview:
Washington heads up for attempted election fraud trial
Trump was indicted in Washington on suspicion of election fraud and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. These are the most serious charges against the 78-year-old. If convicted, he could face decades in prison – but that's unlikely. Since this is a federal case, the Trump Justice Department can simply stop the process. Trump has announced that he will fire special counsel Jack Smith.
Regardless, the process has stalled recently. Smith amended his charges this summer after the Supreme Court granted the president of the United States broad immunity for official conduct.
Washington heads up for attempted election fraud trial
In the federal case, Trump is accused of illegally storing highly sensitive information about his presidency in private rooms. Florida's former Trump-appointed judge in charge halted proceedings this summer. Special Counsel Smith appealed. That process could also disappear after Trump returns to the White House at the direction of the Justice Department.
Atlanta trial over attempted election fraud
In Georgia, Trump was charged along with several co-defendants with trying to influence the 2020 election. Unlike a federal trial, if Trump is convicted in Georgia, he won't be able to pardon himself once he's in the White House. He also couldn't get the surgery to stop on its own. But Trump’s lawyers have largely blocked the investigation so far — and the prosecutor in charge, Fanny Willis, has suffered a setback recently.
The Georgia Supreme Court is currently considering whether to remove Willis from the case. Trump's lawyers have accused her of receiving improper financial benefits from her relationship with another prosecutor in the case. If Willis exits, the entire process may crash. But even if Willis remains in power, Trump's lawyers have argued that lawsuits against the Republican should not begin before the end of his second term in 2029.
New York lawsuit over illegal recording of hush money payments
At the end of May, a New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts. The trial involved illegal concealment of hush-money payments to a porn actress to gain an advantage in the 2016 election. This is the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been convicted.
However, sentencing has been postponed several times – currently scheduled for November 26. Trump faces up to several years in prison.
It is unclear whether the appointment will actually take place. Experts believe the plan may be delayed. Even if Trump is sentenced to prison, he is unlikely to serve it before the end of his second term. However, it is difficult to predict this situation because there is no historical precedent. (Sudanese Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)
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