Trump’s Legal Storm Rages On: Latest Delays Unveil New Twists!

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Trump’s NYC Trial Turns into Document Dump Drama

Set for March 25th, Mr. Trump’s trial on charges related to his hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels has hit a snag. The Justice Department unloaded a whopping 73,000 documents, with 15,000 more on the way, complicating matters. According to Columbia University’s John Coffee, the delay suggests a squabble between the Justice Department and the NY District Attorney’s office.

Trump’s legal team, seizing the moment, secured a 30-day delay, aiming to investigate the tardiness of document production and avoid starting the trial during Passover. With new twists at every turn, the trial, initially slated for March, now faces a delay until April.

Fani’s choice

After a series of intense legal proceedings, the judge overseeing the extensive 2020 election-interference case involving Mr. Trump and 18 co-defendants reached a decision regarding Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s role in the prosecution.

Ultimately, the judge ruled that Willis could continue leading the case, albeit with a significant condition. He determined that either Willis or Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she had appointed, had to step aside due to their past romantic relationship. In response, Wade resigned from his position on Friday.

Judge Scott McAfee highlighted concerns about the potential untruthfulness of the attorneys’ testimonies and raised issues regarding the appearance of impropriety. While he didn’t find sufficient evidence to remove Willis entirely, his decision still provides ample fodder for Trump and his legal team to shape public opinion, possibly influencing prospective jurors.

According to Adrienne Jones, an assistant political science professor at Atlanta’s Morehouse College, the extensive news coverage surrounding the judge’s decision is likely to impact public perception. She emphasizes that people are generally aware of the ongoing developments in the case.

This decision follows closely on the heels of the judge dismissing three out of 13 charges against the former president due to vagueness. However, prosecutors will have the opportunity to refine and re-indict Trump in light of this ruling.

As for the trial date, the prosecution has proposed a start date of August 5th.

Classified files slow-walk

Down in Fort Pierce, Florida, Judge Aileen Cannon finds herself entangled in a web of legal maneuvers orchestrated by Trump’s legal team aimed at dismissing the federal case against the president for obstruction of justice and mishandling classified documents.

While Judge Cannon has already rejected one of the motions, she still faces the daunting task of deciding on six others, displaying a deliberate pace in her proceedings.

Furthermore, Judge Cannon is tasked with determining a suitable schedule for the trial’s commencement. Although the current start date is set for May 20th, both the prosecution and Mr. Trump’s legal teams advocate for a postponement.

Ms. Cannon, appointed to the federal bench by the former president, grapples with the complexities surrounding the disclosure of classified documents pivotal to the case. Any decision made regarding their disclosure, or potential appeals thereof, could potentially exacerbate the already considerable delays.

As for the trial date, Special Counsel Jack Smith has proposed a rescheduled start on July 8th. However, Mr. Trump’s lawyers assert that if the trial isn’t postponed until after the election, they would not be adequately prepared to commence proceedings until at least August.

Supreme Court limbo

The federal prosecution against the former president regarding his alleged role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack stands as one of the most uncertain cases on the legal landscape.

In a significant turn, the US Supreme Court has decided to examine whether Mr. Trump enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution for actions carried out during his presidential tenure. This intervention comes subsequent to rulings by lower courts greenlighting the trial’s continuation.

With oral arguments scheduled for April 25th, the Supreme Court’s deliberation timeline suggests a potential decision as late as the end of June, coinciding with the conclusion of their formal session. Assuming the Supreme Court doesn’t affirm Trump’s immunity, the presiding judge of the trial anticipates an additional 88 days to prepare for proceedings.

This legal labyrinth perfectly aligns with Mr. Trump’s primary strategy of prolonging legal proceedings for as long as possible, preferably until after the November election. Should he secure victory and reclaim the presidency in January 2025, avenues may open for the federal cases against him to evaporate.

As Professor Jones aptly puts it, “They are the masters of delay.”

With no trial date set and no expectations for one in the foreseeable future, the saga continues with uncertainty lingering in the air.

About Richard Sargent

Artis dan pembuat film Richard Sargent (BA Hons Graphic Arts & Design) bersama-sama memproduksi film animasi The Silent Years bersama Simon Webster. Karya seni lepas Richard terutama terdiri dari karikatur dan kartun serta storyboard, animasi, dan desain grafis.

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