- The Independent Prosecutor Lodges an Amended Lawsuit against Trump
A revised indictment has been presented in the federal lawsuit against previous U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of potential election manipulation. This update stems from the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in early July, granting Trump immunity for certain official tasks. As a result, the case progresses, and the indictment against Trump has been slightly condensed, eliminating certain sections such as those concerning his dealings with the Department of Justice. The initial four charges against him remain unchanged. Trump is implicated in charges of conspiracy to deceive the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an authorized investigation.
On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol, attempting to reverse the results of the 2020 presidential election and confirm his victory over Democrat Joe Biden. Prior to the Capitol attack, Trump had made numerous attempts to contest the election results. Consequently, he faced federal charges in Washington, D.C., and a comparable indictment was filed against him in the U.S. state of Georgia.
"Zombie" Witch Hunt: Donald Trump Slams Renewed Accusations
Trump's legal team has managed to postpone and evade trials for several months. The Republican maintains his innocence in all matters, labeling the investigations against him as an attempt by his political adversaries to silence him. On his Truth Social platform, Trump labeled Smith's "preposterous" new indictment as an endeavor to resurrect a "zombie" witch hunt, describing it as an "act of desperation." He demanded that the charges be dropped.
Trump's attorneys petitioned the Supreme Court regarding the immunity of presidents, aiming to dismiss the Washington case entirely. Although they have not succeeded, their efforts have significantly slowed down the proceedings. Specialists estimate that a trial in the Washington case is unlikely to occur before the November presidential election.
Where Do Other Cases Stand?
The Case in Atlanta for Alleged Election Manipulation
In the U.S. state of Georgia, Trump was also accused of exerting influence over the 2020 election, along with several others. Recently, however, the spotlight has shifted from Trump to the lead prosecutor, Fani Willis. Trump's attorneys and other defendants implicated Willis in profiting from an improper relationship with another prosecutor involved in the case. An appeals court halted the case against Trump temporarily, pending a decision on whether Willis can continue her investigation. The three appeals judges have until March 2025 to make a decision, with a first hearing scheduled for October. A trial before the presidential election is considered improbable.
In Miami, Florida, Trump has been indicted on a federal level for his handling of classified government documents. He is accused of unlawfully retaining highly sensitive information from his tenure as President (2017-2021) and conspiring to obstruct the inquiry. It is alleged that Trump attempted to erase surveillance camera footage and remove boxes of documents with the help of employees. This investigation was also managed by Smith.
The judge overseeing the case unexpectedly hit the brakes in mid-July due to doubts about the legitimacy of the special counsel's appointment. Smith has appealed this decision. If he is successful, the case could be reactivated. However, even in this scenario, it is highly improbable that a trial would occur before the November presidential election.
In New York, Trump was convicted in late May for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to a porn star. The prosecution accused Trump of using these falsified records to conceal damaging information and illegal activities prior to and following the 2016 presidential election, thereby enhancing his chances of winning. The sentencing date has not yet been announced, and this process has already been delayed once, from July to mid-September. Trump's attorneys are seeking another delay until after the November election. Trump has also filed an appeal against this conviction.
The renewed accusations against Trump are vehemently opposed by his legal team, who label them as an attempt by his political adversaries to silence him, a position strongly held by the Republican Trump himself.
Despite facing multiple investigations, including one in Georgia where he is accused of exerting influence over the 2020 election, Trump's attorneys and other defendants have managed to delay trials for several months, buying time in the face of these allegations.
