Trump’s Electoral Victory Sparks Uncertainty in Criminal Cases
The recent election of Donald Trump as President-elect has thrown a wrench into the ongoing criminal cases against him. Special counsel Jack Smith has requested a pause in proceedings in two separate cases, citing Trump’s election as the reason.
A Temporary Reprieve?
In one case, Smith asked a federal appeals court to put the appeal on hold until December 2, 2024, to allow the government time to assess the implications of Trump’s election on the case. This move is seen as a sign that the Department of Justice may drop the charges against Trump due to his new status as President-elect.
DOJ Policy Takes Center Stage
The Department of Justice has a long-standing policy of not criminally prosecuting a sitting president. This policy could pave the way for Trump to avoid prosecution in both cases. Furthermore, as President, Trump has the power to order his Attorney General to dismiss the charges against him.
A New Attorney General on the Horizon?
Trump has announced his intention to nominate controversial Florida congressman Matt Gaetz as his Attorney General. This move has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the ongoing cases against Trump.
Prosecutors Prepare to Resign
NBC News has reported that Smith and his team of prosecutors intend to resign before Trump takes office in January. This move is seen as a sign of their disagreement with the potential dismissal of the cases against Trump.
Other Cases Affected
A New York state judge has granted a one-week delay in proceedings in a third criminal case against Trump, related to falsifying business records. This case is scheduled to be sentenced on November 26.
A Complex Web of Cases
The dismissal of the criminal case against Trump by Florida federal court Judge Aileen Cannon has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Cannon’s ruling cited a constitutional clause regulating government official appointments as the reason for the dismissal.
What’s Next?
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Trump’s election as President-elect has thrown a wrench into the ongoing criminal cases against him. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of these cases and the implications for Trump’s presidency.
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