Special Poll
President-elect Trump has become the first convicted felon to win the White House, a result that may reduce the likelihood of him facing legal consequences in his criminal cases.
Trump approached Election Day with a stark choice: defeat Vice President Harris or face possible prison time. He is under criminal indictment in four different federal and state cases:
- In New York, Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, covering up a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
- The Georgia election interference case, focused on racketeering charges, has been paused since July while a legal debate ensues over whether prosecutor Fani Willis should be removed from the case, with arguments scheduled for December 5.
- In the federal January 6 case, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s charges regarding Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election are currently on hold, pending Judge Tanya Chutkan’s decision in light of a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
- The federal classified documents case in Florida was dismissed in July after Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that Smith had been improperly appointed, though Smith appealed the dismissal.
Trump has stated he plans to dismiss his federal criminal cases upon re-entering the White House. Recently, he vowed to fire Special Counsel Jack Smith immediately upon taking office, which would effectively end Smith’s federal cases against him. Justice Department policy prevents prosecuting a sitting president, and Trump’s appointed Justice Department head could drop the charges in the January 6 case and the appeal in the classified documents case.
Trump’s sentencing in the New York hush money case is set for November 26. His lawyers have requested a dismissal of the conviction, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, and a decision on this is expected soon. If sentencing proceeds, his team may argue to delay any penalty—be it prison, home confinement, or a fine—until after his presidential term.
In the Georgia election interference case, complexities include its broad scope and the defense’s efforts to remove Fani Willis due to an alleged conflict of interest. Although no trial date has been set, Trump’s election victory effectively halts the case.