Special counsel taking steps to wind down cases against Trump before inauguration
Nov 7, 2024
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NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson brings her expertise on the Justice Department's intriguing decision to wind down cases against Donald Trump before his inauguration. She highlights Special Counsel Jack Smith's efforts regarding Trump's actions linked to the January 6th insurrection and the classified documents scandal. The discussion reveals how these legal maneuvers may impact Trump's return to presidency and whether political pressures will influence the outcomes. Johnson also touches on presidential immunity and the broader implications for democracy.
The Justice Department is strategically winding down criminal cases against Trump, exploiting longstanding policies that shield sitting presidents from prosecution.
Trump's reelection raises significant questions about the future of ongoing legal challenges, with Republican leaders advocating for cessation of legal actions to facilitate a smooth power transition.
Deep dives
Justice Department's Actions Following Trump's Election
The Justice Department is taking steps to unwind two significant criminal cases against Donald Trump now that he has been re-elected. These cases involve allegations related to Trump's efforts to maintain power during the 2020 election and the mishandling of classified documents. According to longstanding DOJ policy, a sitting president typically cannot face criminal prosecution, which has influenced the timing and nature of these indictments. As a result, there is a possibility that the cases may be formally dismissed, marking a substantial shift in the legal landscape surrounding Trump's presidency.
Implications for Other Legal Cases Against Trump
Trump's elections and subsequent legal challenges raise questions about the future of multiple criminal cases filed against him in various states. Republican leaders argue that voters were aware of the allegations against Trump yet chose to support him, suggesting that legal actions should cease to allow for a smooth transition of power. In New York, a pending sentencing scheduled for Thanksgiving week may also be affected by the new developments, potentially delaying or altering outcomes in the state's case. Overall, this continuing saga presents a sweeping advantage for Trump, highlighting his legal maneuvering to delay proceedings until after the election.
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro speaks with NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson.
Special Counsel Jack Smith will be taking steps to wind down the federal government's cases against president-elect Donald Trump before Trump takes office in January.
For about two years Smith has been building two cases against Trump, one of them for his actions related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and the second for allegedly hoarding classified documents after leaving office in 2021.
With Trump ascending again to the presidency those cases will go away.