How Trump win will impact his cases?

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election offers him numerous reasons to celebrate, but one of the most significant could be the potential relief from the criminal cases that have loomed over him. As he prepares to return to the White House, the legal battles that have dominated his post-presidency life might be placed on hold—at least for the duration of his time in office.

Trump has been facing four major legal challenges, including two federal cases related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, one involving the mishandling of classified documents, and another linked to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Federal charges

Trump is currently facing two key federal investigations: one over his role in attempting to interfere with the 2020 election results, and another related to his retention of top-secret documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Both cases were brought by Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed by the Justice Department. With Trump’s election, it is likely these cases will be put on hold, avoiding a direct confrontation with the presidentelect, who has already vowed to dismiss Smith once in office.

Election interference

In 2022, Trump was investigated by a US House committee for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, which culminated in the violent January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol. The following year, Smith filed federal charges against Trump, including conspiracy to defraud the US and obstructing an official proceeding. A trial was scheduled for March 2024, but delays ensued after Trump argued that, as a former president, he was entitled to immunity.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in Trump’s favour, extending presidential immunity even to personal crimes linked to his office.

Stormy Daniels hush money

Trump was convicted in May 2024 by a Manhattan jury of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. He is the first US president to enter office with a criminal record. Trump was convicted on all 34 counts, and while the case theoretically could result in a prison sentence of up to four years, legal experts suggest that he would likely face a fine and probation instead. His sentencing, which was initially set for July 2024, has been postponed twice and may now be delayed further, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. Trump is seeking to have the case dismissed altogether, arguing that the immunity ruling should apply.

As Trump prepares for his second term, these ongoing legal battles may not go away entirely, but many could be paused or dismissed depending on the legal landscape and the discretion of the incoming administration.