Trump's legal battles: Justice clashes with presidential victory
NBC News reports that after Donald Trump's overwhelming victory in the presidential election, special prosecutor Jack Smith must decide how to conclude two federal cases against the newly elected president.
American media reports that Jack Smith must decide on the future of two federal cases against Donald Trump. These involve alleged crimes following the 2020 election when Trump reportedly tried to maintain power despite losing.
NBC News wonders whether these proceedings could be resumed after Trump's term or if the charges will expire. Questions also surround the fate of the evidence and other individuals accused of helping to hide secret documents. It is also unclear whether the special prosecutor will draft a report summarizing the case.
Meanwhile, Trump's legal team is considering its legal actions to resolve outstanding federal cases in his favour. The ultimate goal is to dismiss all federal and state cases completely.
Trump's criminal case in New York also presents other challenges, as the sentencing is scheduled for November 26. Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of first-degree falsification of business records. The charges stem from the payment by Republican intermediary Michael Cohen of $130,000 to silence porn star Stormy Daniels a few days before the 2016 election to conceal a sexual affair.
Trump's legal team is seeking to defer or completely dismiss these charges. The election interference case in Georgia also remains on hold due to appeals concerning ethical issues related to the district attorney.
Republican campaign spokesperson Steven Chung declared: - The Americans have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate. They want an immediate end to the weaponization of our justice system so that we can, as President Trump has said, unite our country and work together to improve our nation.
NBC News reminds, referencing the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice's 2000 opinion, that prosecuting a sitting president "would unjustly interfere" with his duties. In such cases, impeachment is the only proper course of action.
According to NBC forecasts, following his election win, Trump will likely never face legal consequences for serious federal charges. Some commentators believe the charges against him are more serious than those that led to the Watergate scandal and Richard Nixon's resignation from the presidency.
