Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump appears to be making headway in delaying potential criminal trials until after the November election, which could shield him from legal battles as he gears up for a potential comeback.
What to know about when Trump will go to trial https://t.co/7NXWQGlfV9 https://t.co/7NXWQGlfV9
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 16, 2024
Trump’s legal team has been working tirelessly to push back the start of trials, arguing that kicking off legal proceedings close to the election could unfairly hamper his chances of mounting a strong campaign. The former president has been relentless in his efforts to avoid facing legal consequences, making assertions that the multiple indictments against him amount to meddling with the election process.
In a string of recent victories for Trump, it looks like the earliest trial start dates are being pushed dangerously close to the November election. In New York, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg granted a 30-day delay in response to Trump’s request for a 90-day postponement. This significant extension may very well push the start of the trial beyond the election, leaving Trump with one less thing to worry about as he prepares for a potential political comeback.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, a Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of District Attorney Fani Willis remaining on Trump’s election interference case, but ordered the removal of special prosecutor Nathan Wade due to the romantic relationship between the two. While Trump’s legal team celebrated this minor win, they expressed dissatisfaction with the judge’s leniency towards Willis. They continue to raise concerns about purported prosecutorial misconduct and are determined to exhaust all available legal options to bring the case to an end.
In Florida, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, has been deliberate in her handling of Trump’s classified documents case, rejecting his argument that he is protected under the Espionage Act. Despite dismissing some of Trump’s claims, the judge has remained mum on setting a specific start date for the trial, leaving the timeline uncertain.
The Washington, D.C. case stemming from Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, has been put on hold pending the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s immunity claims. Should the court reject his immunity claim, it is expected that the case will require an additional three months before the trial can begin, potentially leading to a delay that conveniently extends beyond the election.
With these developments, it seems that the former president is successfully playing legal maneuvering to his advantage, delaying potential trials and casting a shadow of uncertainty over the proceedings. As the November election looms, Trump may be able to focus on his political ambitions without the looming threat of imminent legal battles.
