Recent court decisions in Georgia, Washington D.C., and Florida have delayed the most significant criminal cases against former President Donald Trump until after the November 2024 presidential election, effectively keeping him in the race. Despite the gravity of the charges, Trump has not spent any time behind bars, leading to accusations that the U.S. justice system operates on two levels: one for the wealthy and powerful, and another for the working class and dissenters.
Charges and Court Delays
Trump faces 88 charges across four criminal cases—two state and two federal. The most trivial of these, the New York “hush money” fraud trial, is underway and could be the only case resolved in 2024. The other cases, including the Georgia election fraud case and two federal cases involving classified documents and the January 6 Capitol riot, have been delayed.
Georgia Election Fraud Case
In August 2023, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Trump and 18 associates with conspiracy related to efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Four have pleaded guilty and turned state witnesses, while Trump and others have pleaded not guilty. The Georgia Court of Appeals agreed to review a lower court ruling allowing Willis to continue prosecuting Trump. The case stalled as Trump’s legal team sought to remove Willis due to her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Although Wade left the case, an unfavorable decision for Trump could still be appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, further delaying proceedings.
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Federal Classified Documents Case
In May, Judge Aileen Cannon postponed the federal classified documents case, brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, against Trump. The trial start date of May 20 was vacated without setting a new date, citing the need to consider pending pre-trial motions, making it unlikely to start before the election.
January 6 Conspiracy Case
The federal case in Washington D.C. against Trump for conspiring to stop the certification of the election is on hold pending a Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s claims of absolute immunity from crimes committed while in office. The Supreme Court has until late June to rule, and Trump is expected to win some of his claims, given the connections some justices have to his administration.
Political Implications
Current polls show Trump as a slight favorite to win the 2024 election, a reflection of dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s policies. Despite Trump’s claims of “political persecution,” these court delays have allowed him to remain a viable candidate. Critics argue that these delays highlight systemic issues within the U.S. justice system, where wealthy and well-connected individuals face fewer consequences.
Broader Consequences
The court delays and subsequent political implications underscore the challenges of holding powerful figures accountable. The Democratic Party and the Biden administration have faced criticism for not fully addressing the January 6 coup attempt, prioritizing other political and military alliances instead. The reluctance to pursue a full accounting of Trump’s actions reflects broader systemic issues within American politics and justice.
As the 2024 election approaches, these delays and the unresolved legal battles will continue to influence the political landscape, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of the justice system.
