As the 2020 US Presidential Election draws near, there has been a lot of focus on the legal battles surrounding President Donald Trump. From the ongoing impeachment proceedings to various lawsuits against him, it seems like Trump has been constantly embroiled in legal controversies. However, amidst all the chaos, it can be difficult to keep track of where each case stands. So, here’s a rundown of the major legal cases that were brought against Trump before his reelection and their current status.
1. Impeachment Proceedings:
In December 2019, Trump became the third US President in history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. The impeachment was based on two articles – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The trial then moved to the Senate, where Trump was ultimately acquitted in February 2020. However, the issue of impeachment has not been completely resolved, as Democrats continue to investigate Trump’s actions and call for further witnesses and evidence. It remains to be seen if this will have any impact on Trump’s reelection campaign.
2. Emoluments Clause Lawsuits:
The Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments without the consent of Congress. Since taking office, Trump has faced numerous lawsuits accusing him of violating this clause through his business dealings. One of the most high-profile cases was brought by the attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia, who argued that Trump’s ownership of hotels and other properties around the world gave him an unfair advantage over his competitors. However, in July 2020, the Supreme Court dismissed the case, stating that the plaintiffs did not have the legal standing to sue Trump.
3. Tax Returns Lawsuits:
For years, Trump has refused to release his tax returns, breaking a long-standing tradition among US Presidents. This has led to several lawsuits, with Democrats and other groups seeking access to his financial records. In July 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s financial records could be subpoenaed by a grand jury in New York. However, the Court also blocked Congress from obtaining the records, stating that they needed a more specific reason for requesting them. The case is now back in lower courts, and it remains to be seen if Trump’s tax returns will be made public before the election.
4. Defamation Lawsuits:
Trump has also been involved in several defamation lawsuits, most notably with writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegations and called Carroll a liar, prompting her to file a defamation suit against him. In September 2020, a federal judge rejected Trump’s request to have the case dismissed, allowing it to move forward. This could potentially lead to Trump being deposed and questioned under oath, which could have significant implications for his reelection campaign.
5. Immigration Policies:
Trump’s immigration policies have also been challenged in court. One of the most controversial policies was the separation of families at the US-Mexico border, which led to a class-action lawsuit. In June 2018, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reunite the families, and in July 2020, the administration announced that it had completed the reunifications. However, the issue of family separation continues to be a contentious one, with ongoing legal battles and calls for further investigations.
In conclusion, Trump’s presidency has been marked by numerous legal battles, and these are just a few of the major cases that have been brought against him. While some have been resolved, others are still ongoing and could have significant implications for his reelection campaign. As the election draws near, it is clear that Trump’s legal troubles will continue to be a major topic of discussion and could potentially impact the outcome of the election. Only time will tell how these cases will ultimately play out, but one thing is for sure – Trump’s legal battles are far from over.
