The Cases Against President Trump

 

IIn March 2023, Donald Trump was indicted in New York State on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 campaign. The indictment alleges that he falsely categorized the payment as a legal expense. He was found guilty on all 34 counts on May 30, 2024.

By June 2023, Trump faced a federal indictment in Florida for mishandling and attempting to conceal top-secret documents, including highly classified Pentagon plans. A superseding indictment in July added accusations that Trump attempted to destroy security footage showing him relocating boxes containing these classified documents. Altogether, Trump faces 40 criminal counts in the Florida case. However, the case was dismissed by Judge Cannon on questionable grounds, claiming that the special counsel was not legally appointed—an issue that has been adjudicated in numerous other cases. The government is appealing the dismissal.

In July 2023, Georgia’s Attorney General issued a 41-count indictment against Trump and 18 other defendants. They were charged with racketeering in connection with efforts to overturn Georgia’s election results. The indictment outlines eight methods allegedly used by the defendants to interfere with the election, including presenting false claims of voter fraud to the Georgia legislature and fabricating pro-Trump electors. It asserts that Trump and his co-defendants “knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.”

In the most extensive case, Special Counsel Jack Smith unveiled a federal indictment against Trump, including charges of defrauding the United States, obstructing an official government proceeding, and depriving the people of their civil rights. These charges stem from Trump’s alleged role in the January 6th Capitol attack. The Supreme Court ruled that only actions taken in a personal capacity could be charged, leading the government to resubmit the charges. The case is scheduled for next year.

In a separate civil case that is still active, Trump and his sons are accused of inflating the value of their assets in business records. Judge Arthur Engoron has already issued a summary judgment, finding that Trump systematically committed fraud. Trump’s company was fined $350 million.