Former President Donald Trump is currently embroiled in a multitude of legal battles, spanning various criminal and civil cases. Here is a succinct overview of the key trials and legal challenges he is facing:
## Criminal Cases
### Federal Classified Documents Case
In June and July 2023, Trump was indicted on multiple counts related to the willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and other charges stemming from his alleged refusal to return sensitive documents after leaving the White House. However, in July 2024, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted Trump’s motion to dismiss the superseding indictment, citing the alleged unlawful appointment and funding of Special Counsel Jack Smith. The government has since appealed this decision to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals[2].
### Federal Election Interference Case
Trump is facing charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The indictment, issued in August 2023 and revised in August 2024, includes 41 charges, with 13 against Trump, alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in Georgia. The case involves accusations of spreading false claims about voter fraud, plotting to create fake electors, and pressuring Georgia officials to alter the election outcome. Following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity in July 2024, the trial has been delayed as the district court evaluates which actions might still be subject to prosecution[2].
### New York “Hush Money” Case
In May 2024, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts in a case involving payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair. Trump has denied the affair and termed the payments as non-campaign related. Despite his legal team's efforts to appeal the conviction based on the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling, the judge denied their request to vacate the verdict. Sentencing has been postponed until after the November 2024 election[2].
## Civil Cases
### E. Jean Carroll Defamation and Sexual Assault Case
E. Jean Carroll has sued Trump twice, first for defamation in 2019 and then for sexual assault in a case tried in April and May 2023. The jury found Trump liable for sexual assault and awarded Carroll $2 million in compensatory damages. Trump has denied the allegations, calling them a “hoax,” but did not testify during the trial. He is currently appealing the verdict, arguing that the damages were excessive, though the court has found his arguments unpersuasive[4].
## Upcoming Legal Milestones
Several key dates are marked on Trump’s legal calendar for the remainder of 2024:
- **October 3, 2024**: Trump must submit a supplement to his motion to dismiss the DC election interference case based on statutory grounds.
- **October 29, 2024**: The government must file its reply in support of its opening brief on presidential immunity and opposition to Trump’s renewed motion to dismiss in the DC election interference case.
- **November 12, 2024**: Justice Merchan is expected to issue a decision on Trump’s motion to set aside the jury’s guilty verdicts in the New York election interference case based on the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity decision[1].
These cases and upcoming milestones highlight the complex and ongoing legal challenges facing Donald Trump, each with significant implications for his legal and political future.
