With Former President Donald Trump returning to the White House in January, there are still several unfinished legal cases involving him that may be impacted by his election. Here’s where each of the major cases stand:
Federal Election Interference Case (January 6th, Fake Electors)
Shortly after Trump won re-election, Special Counsel Jack Smith, following a longstanding Department of Justice policy, requested that the charges against Trump be dismissed. The DOJ has a precedent of not prosecuting a sitting President, which they’d violate if they didn’t drop the charges. Judge Tanya Chutkan granted the request on November 25th.
Georgia Election Interference Case (RICO)
This case is the last active criminal case against Trump, as it is a state case. However, it’s highly unlikely that a trial to occur before 2029 when Trump’s term ends. Additionally, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been removed from the case by the Georgia Court of Appeals, as was Prosecutor Nathan Wade. The two are accused of having an improper relationship that might have affected the indictment and investigation.
Classified Documents Case (also Jack Smith)
This case was dismissed long before the election by Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, back in July. All charges were dropped.
New York Falsifying Business Records Case (Hush Money)
Judge Juan Merchan denied a request for dismissal back in mid-December on the grounds of presidential immunity, stating that the conduct in the case was not involving official acts, especially since it was before Trump was president. Trump was found guilty on all 34 charges by a New York jury after falsifying business records relating to an alleged affair with Stormy Daniels.
Defamation Case (E. Jean Caroll)
An appeals court upheld the $5 million verdict in the civil defamation trial against Trump by writer E. Jean Caroll today (December 30th). A jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Caroll in the 1990s.