The start of 2024 has seen a sharp increase in activity in all six of the legal cases against Donald Trump, whose legal strategy has been to delay the trials until after the election so he can give himself presidential immunity from facing the consequences of his actions.
Jean Carroll Defamation Case
The jury awarded Carroll $88.5 million in total damages after Judge Lewis Kaplan found Trump guilty of defamation for denying her sexual assault allegations against him. Initially, she was due just $5 million in damages however, further defamatory comments by the former president in 2019 caused Carroll to sue a second time, with the jury awarding her another $83.5 million. That decision is currently under appeal, however, it is unlikely to proceed given that multiple attempts have already failed.
New York Civil Fraud Case
Judge Arthur Engoron awarded New York District Attorney Letitia James over $355 million after he found that the Trump Organization was guilty of fraudulent business activity in the state. There was no jury in this case, as Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, mistakenly checked off the box, saying they wanted a judge to decide the case instead of a jury. Trump’s team has tried and failed to appeal the ruling and with tax, so he must cough up over $450 million plus a $112,000 penalty each day the money is late, which is almost all of his available cash.
Election Interference Case
Special Counsel Jack Smith’s case focused on Trump’s involvement in the January 6th insurrection and overturning the 2020 election. The Supreme Court currently must decide whether Trump has presidential immunity, considering the alleged crime happened during his presidency. Multiple appeals courts have already ruled Trump does not have immunity, however, the Supreme Court will ultimately have the final say.
Classified Documents Case
Smith’s second case regarding Trump involves the over 100 classified documents that Trump took to his Florida resort, Mar-A-Lago, and did not declassify. Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, has been generous to the former president’s team and has allowed for several delays in proceedings, however, the trial will begin in May 2024.
Fulton County Case
Trump’s biggest legal peril comes from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ case, where, if convicted, Trump could face considerable jail time. He also cannot protect himself using presidential immunity because state crimes are not covered. Willis claims that Trump and his allies tried to overturn the election in Fulton County, based on an infamous call between him and Georgia Secretary Brad Raffensperger, where he told him to “find the votes” for Trump to win. Willis’ ability to head the case is in hot water after allegations arose that she had a romantic relationship with the lead prosecutor. The trial has been delayed as a result, and there is still no set date for the case.
Hush Money Case
Trump could also face serious jail time if convicted of the case brought against him by New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who claims that Trump interfered with the 2016 election by having his personal attorney pay former adult actress Stormy Daniels over $130,000 to keep quiet about an affair they had in 2006. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. The trial is set to start on March 25, 2024.
