Trump's legal cases are in limbo after SCOTUS ruling, allowing him to focus on campaigning.

A ruling by the Supreme Court established that a president is shielded from legal consequences for actions performed in their official capacity.

Trump's legal cases are in limbo after SCOTUS ruling, allowing him to focus on campaigning.
Trump's legal cases are in limbo after SCOTUS ruling, allowing him to focus on campaigning.

In recent weeks, former President Trump has secured several legal victories, halting many cases and postponing others that could have hindered his campaigning during the general election season.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. United States that a former president has substantial immunity from prosecution for official acts in office but not for unofficial acts. The high court left it to the lower court to determine the exact line between official and unofficial acts.

"The Chief Justice John Roberts' majority opinion declares that the President cannot be prosecuted for exercising his constitutional powers and is entitled to a minimum presumptive immunity from prosecution for all official acts. This immunity applies equally to all Oval Office occupants, regardless of their political, policy, or party affiliations."

Donald Trump arrives to Trump Tower after being found guilty
Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower, May 30, 2024, after being found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. (Felipe Ramales for Planet Chronicle Digital)

The trial of Trump in Special Counsel Jack Smith's Jan. 6 case was put on hold in a lower court, pending the Supreme Court's ruling, which wiped out any charges related to official presidential acts. Trump pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The case that was returned to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has been granted a delay by Judge Tanya Chutkan. Smith requested the delay to amend and prepare his argument in the case following the Supreme Court ruling. A joint status report is now due on Aug. 30, and a status conference is set for Sept. 5.

The Supreme Court's ruling led Trump's lawyers to request a delay in his sentencing in New York v. Trump, as he was found guilty on all counts of falsifying business records in the first degree following an unprecedented criminal trial initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The sentencing of Judge Juan Merchan, originally scheduled for July 11, was delayed until September 18.

trump and jack smith
Donald Trump and Jack Smith  (Getty Images)

Trump's lawyers later asked Merchan to reverse his guilty verdict in New York v. Trump.

Trump attorneys argued that the Supreme Court ruling should be followed and the indictment and jury's verdict should be dismissed due to violations of the Presidential immunity doctrine and the Supremacy Clause. In the formal motion, Trump lawyer Todd Blanche cited the Supreme Court's immunity decision and argued that certain evidence of "official acts" should not have been admitted during the trial.

During the trial, Blanche contended that the testimony of former White House officials and staff was unsuitable.

Bragg was accused by Blanche of violating the Presidential immunity doctrine by using official-acts evidence in grand jury proceedings that led to politically motivated charges in the case.

A ruling on the motion is pending.

Aileen Cannon, a U.S. District Judge, dismissed Smith's case against Trump involving classified records, several days later.

Trump was accused of improperly retaining classified records at Mar-a-Lago. He pleaded not guilty to all 37 felony counts from Smith's investigation, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and false statements.

Smith was unlawfully appointed and funded, according to Cannon's ruling, which dismissed the case entirely based on the appointments clause in the Constitution.

supreme court exterior
The U.S. Supreme Court, Nov. 15, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

The Appointments Clause specifies that the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, must appoint ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, Supreme Court judges, and all other officers of the United States, while Congress has the power to appoint inferior officers through the President, courts of law, or heads of departments.

Despite not being confirmed by the Senate, Smith is appealing the ruling.

In Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis accused Trump of crimes related to the alleged 2020 election interference. Trump denied all charges.

In that case, the judge dismissed six of the charges against Trump because Willis did not provide enough detail.

The case was thrown into limbo when it was reported that Willis had an "improper affair" with Nathan Wade, a prosecutor she hired to help bring the case against Trump. Wade later resigned his position.

The Georgia Court of Appeals halted the proceedings until it hears the case to disqualify Willis in October, adding to his recent setbacks.

Smith Bragg and Willis
Jack Smith, Alvin Bragg and Fani Willis (Getty Images)

On December 5, the Georgia Court of Appeals will consider Trump's request to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from overseeing the 2024 presidential election.

Trump attorneys could apply the Supreme Court ruling in several civil cases they have been fighting.

In a civil defamation case brought against him by columnist E. Jean Carroll, Trump was ordered to pay more than $83 million in damages after he denied allegations he raped her in the 1990s.

In 1996, at the Bergdorf Goodman department store located near Trump Tower in Manhattan, Carroll claimed that Trump had raped her.

In June 2019, statements made by Trump while in the White House resulted in Carroll's injuries, as determined by the jury.

Trump's denial was made during a press gaggle at the White House while he was president. Trump attorneys could argue that the denial was part of an official presidential act.

Trump was sued for defamation by Carroll, who accused him of causing harm to her reputation through his denial.

Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, sued Trump and he is now appealing the civil fraud ruling that ordered him to pay over $450 million.

This week, Trump's legal team submitted paperwork to a mid-level appeals court, arguing that the ruling was unconstitutional.

by Brooke Singman

politics

Biden falsely claims he has never spoken to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as President.

Biden falsely claims he has never spoken to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as President.

politics
Trump assassination attempt lawsuit filed against Secret Service and DHS.

Trump assassination attempt lawsuit filed against Secret Service and DHS.

politics
NC GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson facing rumors of looming bombshell.

NC GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson facing rumors of looming bombshell.

politics
GOP slammed by Schumer over Trump shutdown during spending fight.

GOP slammed by Schumer over Trump shutdown during spending fight.

politics
House Republicans take action to safeguard military salaries amid shutdown concerns.

House Republicans take action to safeguard military salaries amid shutdown concerns.

politics
A poll shows a significant decrease in support for Taylor Swift's get-out-the-vote campaign among a specific voting demographic.

A poll shows a significant decrease in support for Taylor Swift's get-out-the-vote campaign among a specific voting demographic.

politics
In a deep blue state, Trump's approval rating surpasses that of its governor.

In a deep blue state, Trump's approval rating surpasses that of its governor.

politics
Harris' 'border hawk' narrative is challenged by Trump's former ICE chief.

Harris' 'border hawk' narrative is challenged by Trump's former ICE chief.

politics
A shadowy group backed by Democrat funds is being accused of engaging in "dirty tricks" to interfere with Republican candidates in crucial elections.

A shadowy group backed by Democrat funds is being accused of engaging in "dirty tricks" to interfere with Republican candidates in crucial elections.

politics
29 Democrats vote against their party on bill tightening immigration laws

29 Democrats vote against their party on bill tightening immigration laws

politics
Lawmakers disclosed that Trump has "presidential-level" Secret Service protection.

Lawmakers disclosed that Trump has "presidential-level" Secret Service protection.

politics
A majority of Californians favor reinstating felony theft penalties prior to the public ballot.

A majority of Californians favor reinstating felony theft penalties prior to the public ballot.

politics
Nancy Pelosi asserts that the Democratic primary process was transparent and Kamala Harris emerged victorious.

Nancy Pelosi asserts that the Democratic primary process was transparent and Kamala Harris emerged victorious.

politics
Teamsters face backlash from Democrats after making historic non-endorsement.

Teamsters face backlash from Democrats after making historic non-endorsement.

politics
The Harris team was unaware that stolen Trump documents were sent "directly" to the Biden camp.

The Harris team was unaware that stolen Trump documents were sent "directly" to the Biden camp.

politics
In Pennsylvania, a tight race is seen between Trump and Harris, according to polls.

In Pennsylvania, a tight race is seen between Trump and Harris, according to polls.

politics
Poll shows that a majority of Black swing-state voters support Harris among all age groups.

Poll shows that a majority of Black swing-state voters support Harris among all age groups.

politics