Donald Trump’s time is running out as he faces the possibility of becoming the first former president to go on criminal trial. Despite efforts to delay his hush money trial and move it out of Manhattan, Trump’s legal options are narrowing. This case, stemming from payments to an adult film actress before the 2016 election, is one of four criminal cases against him. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all cases and is increasingly attacking the judges and others involved, labeling the trials as politically motivated persecution.
Efforts to delegitimize the New York trial are ongoing, with Trump making extreme claims on his Truth Social network and in fundraising emails. The potential jurors for the trial will be asked about their political affiliations and previous interactions with Trump to ensure impartiality. Prosecutors will focus on Trump’s falsification of business records rather than the legality of the hush money payment, alleging an attempt to mislead voters in the election. Delays in the cases against Trump have been caused by legal challenges, but the start of the New York trial is imminent.
In a bid to delay his federal election interference trial, Trump is using a claim of presidential immunity that has been challenged by special counsel Jack Smith. Smith argues that no one, including a former president, is above the law and that accountability for criminal violations should be enforced. Trump’s efforts to stall other trials in Florida and Georgia are facing pushback from the legal system. In Florida, Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon has been accused of slowing the trial, while in Georgia, Trump is arguing that his actions were protected free speech in an attempt to dismiss the case.
The decision to deny Trump’s motion to stop the New York trial on the grounds of unfairness due to the city’s liberal nature highlights the ongoing legal battle. Trump’s strategy of claiming unfair treatment in trial locations is not new but could set a dangerous precedent if followed. The impact of a president on trial on the general electorate remains uncertain, with questions about whether Trump can use the trial to his advantage or if it will lead to a backlash if he is found guilty.
Despite his efforts to delay and discredit the trials against him, Trump is facing the prospect of multiple criminal proceedings that could impact his political future. The legal battles surrounding the hush money trial as well as other criminal cases are intensifying, with time running out for Trump to avoid facing the consequences of his actions. As he approaches the start of the New York trial, Trump’s legal challenges are becoming increasingly desperate, raising questions about the potential implications for him and the political system as a whole.
