As the 2020 US Presidential election draws near, one cannot help but wonder about the legal battles that have been waged against the incumbent President, Donald Trump. From lawsuits related to his business dealings to allegations of misconduct, the President has been no stranger to the courtroom. Let’s take a look at some of the major legal cases that have been brought against Trump before his bid for reelection and where they currently stand.
1. Stormy Daniels Case
One of the most high-profile cases against Trump is the one brought by adult film star, Stormy Daniels. In 2018, Daniels filed a lawsuit against Trump, alleging that he had paid her hush money to cover up an affair she had with him in 2006. This case made headlines as it involved the President and his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. However, in 2019, the case was dismissed by a federal court, citing a lack of legal standing. Daniels’ appeal was also rejected by the court, and the case was eventually settled out of court with Trump agreeing to pay her $130,000. The President has denied any wrongdoing in this matter.
2. Emoluments Clause Lawsuit
Another legal battle that Trump has been embroiled in is related to the foreign emoluments clause of the US Constitution. This clause prohibits government officials from receiving gifts or benefits from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. Several lawsuits have been filed against Trump, alleging that he has violated this clause through his business dealings with foreign governments. However, courts have dismissed these cases, stating that the plaintiffs do not have legal standing to sue. The cases are currently on appeal, and the outcome remains to be seen.
3. Defamation Lawsuit by Summer Zervos
Summer Zervos, a former contestant on Trump’s reality show, The Apprentice, filed a defamation lawsuit against the President in 2017. She claimed that Trump had sexually assaulted her in 2007 and that his denials of the incident had damaged her reputation. This case has taken several turns, with Trump’s lawyers trying to delay the proceedings. However, in 2019, a New York court ruled that the case could move forward, and Trump’s appeal was rejected. The case is currently ongoing, and a trial date is set for 2021.
4. Constitutional Challenge to the Travel Ban
Trump’s controversial travel ban, which targeted citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, faced legal challenges from the moment it was announced. In 2018, the US Supreme Court upheld the ban, stating that the President has the authority to make national security decisions related to immigration. However, the Court also noted that lower courts could still review the implementation of the ban and that it could be challenged again in the future. Several lawsuits against the ban are still ongoing, with critics arguing that it is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
5. Tax Returns Lawsuits
Trump’s tax returns have been a subject of public interest since he announced his candidacy for President. Several lawsuits have been filed to obtain his tax returns, with the Democrats in Congress leading the charge. However, the cases have faced roadblocks, with courts ruling in favor of Trump. In July 2020, the US Supreme Court ruled that state prosecutors could obtain Trump’s tax returns, but the President’s lawyers are now seeking to delay the release of the documents. This is an ongoing legal battle that has yet to be resolved.
In conclusion, Trump has been at the center of numerous legal battles throughout his presidency. While some cases have been dismissed or settled, others are still ongoing. As the President seeks reelection, these legal challenges are likely to continue and could have an impact on the outcome of the election. Only time will tell how these cases will be resolved, but one thing is for sure – Trump’s legal battles are far from over.
