Former President Donald Trump insists that the four separate prosecutions against him in four different jurisdictions are part of a coordinated political hit job—a claim that’s gaining traction among his supporters and raising eyebrows among skeptics. Yet, as more developments unfold, the prospect of seeing him on trial for three out of the four cases before Election Day seems increasingly unlikely.
The fourth prosecution—often viewed as the weakest among the bunch—has already exposed embarrassing details about Trump’s personal life. This case, based in New York, revolves around hush money payments made to cover up an alleged affair. It feels more like a storyline from a tabloid than a crucial piece in the puzzle of Trump’s presidential conduct or his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all the cases.
While Trump claims that these legal battles are a concerted effort to discredit him, what’s happening in the courtrooms tells a different story. The criminal charges against him were filed in New York, Florida, Georgia, and Washington, DC—each by separate grand juries with different cases. Yet, delays in the proceedings are providing ammunition for Trump’s claims of bias.
Here’s a look at where the cases stand:
The Classified Documents Case
In Florida, where Trump is accused of mishandling classified documents, the trial has been postponed indefinitely. Trump appointed the judge overseeing this case, Aileen Cannon, which has fueled suspicions that she’s favoring him with her slow pace. Critics, including Trump’s former White House counsel Ty Cobb, argue that Cannon’s reluctance to set a new trial date is a sign of her incompetence or bias.
The January 6 Case
In Washington, DC, where Trump faces charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, the trial is also on hold. The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to weigh in on Trump’s claim of “absolute immunity,” and the justices are in no rush to make their ruling. This delay could push the trial well past Election Day.
The Georgia Election Interference Case
In Georgia, Trump is appealing a decision to keep Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on the case. The Georgia Court of Appeals is taking its time to address Trump’s appeal, creating more uncertainty about when or if this case will proceed.
The New York Business Records Case
This trial, centered on falsifying business records to hide hush money payments, is ongoing. The salacious nature of the case, involving Stormy Daniels, doesn’t seem to resonate with many voters, and Trump’s team is using every tactic to drag out the proceedings. Critics point out that this is likely the least consequential case for Trump’s political future.
In the end, Trump’s legal strategy seems clear: delay the trials, get re-elected, and then work to dismiss the charges. This week’s delays suggest his approach is working, for now. The real question is whether voters will see through the legal tactics and focus on the broader implications of Trump’s actions.
