What happens to pending criminal, civil cases against Donald Trump now that he has been re-elected?

Donald Trump’s re-election could significantly impact the ongoing criminal and civil cases against him, potentially pausing them during his four-year term in the White House. Trump faces prosecutions in various cases, including a hush money case in New York, 2020 election interference, and a classified documents case.

State and Federal Prosecutions:

Prosecutors had aimed to advance their cases against Trump before the election, but his legal team employed numerous delay tactics. These efforts resulted in only one criminal trial in Manhattan before election day.

New York Conviction:

On May 30, Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This makes him the first former president convicted of felony charges. Trump is appealing the verdict, and his sentencing, initially scheduled for dates in July and September, is now set for November 26, 2024.

Florida Case:

In Florida, Trump faces charges of illegally taking classified documents from the White House. These charges were dismissed in July by Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, who ruled that the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith by Attorney General Merrick Garland violated the Constitution. Trump is considering appointing Cannon as the new attorney general, as per a roster circulated within his campaign.

Washington DC Cases:

Trump faces four charges in Washington DC for spreading false claims of election fraud to block the certification of votes following the 2020 election. He has pleaded not guilty, claiming the accusations are politically motivated. The case has been delayed as Trump seeks presidential immunity, with the Supreme Court ruling in July that he has some immunity from criminal prosecution.

Georgia Racketeering Case:

In Georgia, Trump is charged under state racketeering laws for allegedly conspiring to reverse his 2020 election defeat. His lawyer has argued that a president should not face criminal prosecution while in office. Trump and several co-defendants are seeking to disqualify the lead prosecutor over alleged misconduct.

Civil Lawsuits:

New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued Trump, his children, and the Trump Organization for financial fraud, alleging they inflated property values to secure favorable loans and insurance terms.

Additionally, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump could be sued for his alleged role in inciting the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He has also lost two defamation cases to E. Jean Carroll, resulting in jury awards of $5 million and $83 million. Trump is appealing these verdicts.

Ongoing Legal Strategies:

Trump’s primary legal strategy has been to delay trials, aiming to terminate them if re-elected. He has suggested the possibility of a self-pardon, although the Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that sitting presidents cannot invoke presidential immunity to avoid civil litigation, stemming from a case involving then-President Bill Clinton.

The pending cases against Trump will likely continue to unfold during his second term, impacting both his presidency and legal battles.