The criminal hush money case involving former President Donald Trump continues to dominate headlines, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expected to outline the next steps in the case on Tuesday. This follows a series of unprecedented developments surrounding Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts earlier this year, in connection with a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
The case is far from over, and with Trump’s sentencing scheduled for November 26, questions about its future and implications on his ability to govern are mounting. As Trump faces calls for the case to be dismissed, prosecutors and his legal team are engaged in a high-stakes battle over the scope of presidential immunity, the Presidential Transition Act, and what constitutes an “official act” while in office. Here, we break down the latest developments, what the legal teams are arguing, and what we can expect in the coming months.
The Hush Money Case: A Quick Recap
In 2016, Donald Trump arranged for a payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, a former adult film star, to keep her quiet about an alleged affair she had with him in 2006. Daniels’ silence was meant to prevent the story from surfacing during Trump’s presidential campaign. However, this arrangement led to a series of legal battles, culminating in Trump being convicted in May 2024 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payment.
This conviction came with significant legal consequences. The case has raised questions about campaign finance laws, the limits of presidential immunity, and whether a sitting president should be prosecuted for actions taken before and during their time in office. Trump’s legal team has launched multiple appeals, and his attorneys are pushing for a dismissal of the case, citing several constitutional arguments.
What’s Next for Trump’s Hush Money Case?
As the legal drama unfolds, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is expected to propose the next steps in the case on Tuesday, after taking into account the “unprecedented circumstances” of Trump’s election and his potential return to the White House in 2025. The legal proceedings have become tangled with broader political considerations, with some arguing that prosecuting Trump could interfere with the political process and his ability to govern.
Key Legal Arguments in Play
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Presidential Immunity
One of the most pressing issues is the question of presidential immunity. Trump’s legal team argues that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling—which grants sitting presidents immunity from prosecution for official acts carried out while in office—should apply to his case. His lawyers have suggested that the hush money payment was part of a larger strategy to influence the election and thus falls under the category of “official acts” that should be immune from legal scrutiny. -
The Presidential Transition Act
In addition to immunity, Trump’s lawyers are invoking the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, which aims to ensure a smooth transition of power between presidents. The Act urges government officials to take “lawful steps to avoid or minimize disruptions” to the incoming administration. Trump’s legal team contends that pursuing criminal charges during a presidential transition is unconstitutional and would unduly interfere with the peaceful transfer of power. -
The Role of the Supreme Court’s Ruling
Prosecutors, however, argue that the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity does not apply in this case, as the charges against Trump stem from alleged conduct before he took office. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo stated that these are “unprecedented circumstances”, but the Manhattan DA’s office maintains that the conviction remains valid.
Trump’s Sentencing: What to Expect
The sentencing hearing for Donald Trump is tentatively scheduled for November 26, 2024. While the maximum penalty for his conviction is up to four years in prison, the reality is that first-time offenders often receive a far more lenient sentence, especially for non-violent crimes like falsifying business records.
Many legal experts believe that Trump’s legal team will continue to push for a reduction in sentence or even a full dismissal, as they have done throughout the case. This is complicated by the ongoing political drama, with Trump’s defense team arguing that a conviction could undermine his ability to run for office in the future, including the upcoming 2024 election.
Will the Case Be Dismissed?
Since July 2024, Trump’s lawyers have aggressively argued that the conviction should be vacated and the case dismissed entirely. One of the central claims is that the prosecutors have filled “glaring holes in their case” by introducing evidence that could be seen as connected to “official acts.” According to Trump’s legal team, the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity invalidates the case.
However, prosecutors have rejected these claims, asserting that the evidence presented against Trump is sufficient to sustain his conviction. They have made it clear that while they recognise the unusual circumstances of Trump’s election, they believe the criminal justice system should not be swayed by his political ambitions.
Political and Legal Fallout: What’s at Stake?
The stakes in this case go far beyond legal procedures. The political implications of Trump’s conviction and potential sentence are profound. Should the case be dismissed, it could set a precedent for future presidents accused of misconduct, especially regarding campaign finance violations and personal conduct. On the other hand, if Trump is sentenced or forced to serve time, it could send shockwaves through the 2024 presidential election and impact his candidacy.
For many, this case is about more than just a financial transaction. It highlights the ongoing tension between the rule of law and the political influence of powerful figures. It also raises questions about the limits of presidential power and accountability.
The Public Reaction
Public opinion on Trump’s legal battles is sharply divided. Supporters argue that the case is politically motivated and that the charges are an attempt to undermine his political career. Critics, however, view the hush money payment as part of a broader pattern of unethical behaviour and insist that no one, not even a former president, is above the law.
Conclusion: The Battle Continues
As Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg proposes the next steps in Trump’s hush money case, the legal and political drama will continue to unfold. With sentencing scheduled for November 26, the pressure on all parties involved is mounting. Trump’s legal team remains determined to have the case dismissed, while prosecutors are gearing up for a possible appeal and are committed to seeing the case through.
Ultimately, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Donald Trump but for the future of presidential accountability and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
