Staff Reports
As the countdown to the election continues, just nine days remain, and the stakes have never been higher for former President Donald Trump. Alongside the typical hustle and bustle of campaign season, Trump finds himself in a whirlwind of legal battles that could impact his political future. These challenges cover various allegations, from election interference to a civil fraud trial verdict. The question on everyone’s mind is: what would happen if Trump were to win the presidency again?
First up, let’s dive into the federal cases. If elected, Trump would have the authority to request his Attorney General to dismiss the federal charges currently looming over him, including those based in D.C. and Florida. However, the snag is that his legal team wouldn’t be in place immediately. Those holdovers from the previous administration might linger longer than expected. Trump would need a qualified acting Attorney General ready to step in and take the reins. But don’t get too excited yet; the road to dismissal is not paved with gold bricks.
Even if Trump were to secure an acting Attorney General willing to launch the dismissal motion, it would still require a judge’s approval. In Florida, Judge Cannon might be agreeable to a dismissal, aligning with the Department of Justice’s desires. But hold your horses regarding D.C., where Judge Chutkan is likely to be a tougher nut to crack. A precedent exists where a judge refuses to dismiss an indictment, and it may be difficult this time. While legal battles are expected, optimistic supporters might still have faith that Trump will ultimately prevail.
However, the challenges become sharper when focusing on state-level cases—he can’t just wave a magic wand and erase those. States operate independently, and Trump wouldn’t have the same power over state cases as he would federally. The ongoing issues in New York and Georgia are especially thorny, with serious constitutional and statutory arguments at play. Even if things don’t go Trump’s way in the courts, many believe the Supreme Court is unlikely to let a serving president undergo a lengthy trial for state-level criminal charges. The notion of a sitting president facing incarceration is more puzzling than a Washington riddle.
In a worst-case scenario, even if Trump were to be convicted in state court while holding presidential office, what could unfold next? There are avenues available for Trump’s legal team, who aren’t shy about litigating. The U.S. Supreme Court must be crucial if these tricky situations arise. History shows that the Court can intervene, and Trump’s legal brain trust has proven adept at utilizing the justice system to his advantage.
While we might imagine the smooth sailing of a future Trump presidency, the landscape is fraught with legal complexities. Regardless of election results, legal challenges will remain a fixture in Trump’s life. Whether supporters are ready for the rollercoaster of events that could unfold remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the circus is far from closing its curtains.
