Former President Donald Trump faces potential fates of returning to the Oval Office or dealing with criminal court proceedings following the 2024 election. Trump’s third presidential campaign has coincided with four criminal cases against him, with one potentially leading to conviction. The outcome of these cases may hinge on whether Trump is re-elected as president. In one case involving “hush money,” Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records related to a payment to an adult film star shortly before the 2016 election.
In another case, special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with misconduct related to the 2020 election results. The case was stalled due to a claim of presidential immunity, which was partially upheld by the Supreme Court. A federal grand jury later amended the indictment to align with the court’s ruling. Smith is also prosecuting a case in Florida where Trump is accused of mishandling government records post-presidency. However, a judge dismissed this case, sparking appeals and potential arguments that could lead to a dismissal of the election case.
A separate case in Fulton County, Georgia, involves Trump and 19 others accused of a racketeering scheme to contest the 2020 election defeat in the state. Some counts in this case have been dropped, with the remaining charges pending appeal. The case has been on hold due to concerns about the judge’s impartiality. Legal experts speculate that if Trump secures re-election, the criminal case in Georgia could be indefinitely delayed to respect the Supremacy Clause and the president’s responsibilities.
If Trump is re-elected as president, the fate of these criminal cases would likely be influenced by his administration’s Justice Department’s decisions. It is anticipated that the cases brought forth by special counsel Jack Smith would be dismissed under a new leadership regime. The resolution of these charges is further complicated by the potential for lengthy appeals processes and presidential prerogatives. Ultimately, the 2024 election outcome will have a significant impact on Trump’s possible return to the White House or his involvement in ongoing criminal proceedings.
