For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Juana Summers speaks with NPR reporter Ximena Bustillo.Manhattan judge Juan Marchand is struggling with the question of what to do with the criminal conviction against President-elect Donald Trump. With Trump headed back to the White House, his lawyers are asking Marchand to throw out the case. But in a letter to the court on Tuesday, Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg seems to be suggesting the court should wait until Trump's second term is over to sentence him.Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday.Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials.Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Carrie Johnson, NPR's justice correspondent, brings her expertise to discuss the legal landscape surrounding Donald Trump's re-election. They dive into the possibility of his criminal cases fading away with his return to the White House. Johnson examines the implications of ongoing prosecutions and potential pardons. The conversation also touches on the Justice Department's response to January 6th events and the future of accountability in politics. It’s a captivating look at how Trump's legal woes might evolve against the backdrop of his political ambitions.

Tom Dreisbach, an NPR reporter dedicated to covering the January 6th Capitol attack, dives into the unexpected celebrations among those charged in connection with the event. Many defendants express their hope for pardons from Trump, framing themselves as 'political prisoners.' The discussion highlights the stark contrast between their jubilant outlook and the serious implications of the attack. Personal narratives illuminate their controversial justifications for violence and raise urgent questions about accountability and the potential normalization of extremist actions.

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.

Miles Parks, NPR's Voting correspondent, tackles the critical topic of misinformation in elections. He debunks common myths about non-citizen voting, revealing that only a few cases exist amidst millions. Parks discusses the political motivations behind these falsehoods and the strong safeguards protecting election integrity. He also sheds light on the intricate process of mail-in ballot counting in Pennsylvania, highlighting how delays could impact results. Finally, he presents a fascinating contrast between public fears about fraud and trust in local election workers.

A recent Supreme Court ruling allows Virginia to purge voter rolls of suspected noncitizens just days before an election. This decision sparks controversy over potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters. The discussion reveals the complexities behind voter registration and the alarming impact of such purges on American democracy. Critics argue that these actions stem from unfounded fears and political motivations, raising important questions about the future of voting rights.

As Election Day approaches, Pennsylvania's mail-in ballots are at the center of intense legal battles. Ongoing lawsuits from voting rights advocates clash with Republican challenges, influencing crucial procedures for voters. Recent rulings and guidelines show the importance of handwritten dates on return envelopes, sparking discussions about best practices. The state’s pivotal role in the presidential election makes every legal twist significant, highlighting the need for vigilance in ballot submission to ensure every vote counts.

Miles Parks, NPR's voting correspondent, and Jude Joffe-Block, an NPR reporter known for tackling misinformation, dive into the myth of noncitizen voting. They discuss how this baseless claim has gained traction, particularly among Republicans, despite a lack of supporting evidence. The conversation also highlights the impact of such narratives on public perception, influencing voter behavior and tensions at polling places. Additionally, they explore the consequences of targeting voter rolls on the voting rights of U.S. citizens.

Miles Parks, NPR's insightful voting correspondent, dives into the fraught landscape of legal challenges as Election Day approaches. He examines a variety of Republican lawsuits aimed at invalidating votes, fueling public skepticism about the election process. The conversation unpacks the potential impact of these lawsuits on mail-in voting and overall electoral integrity. Additionally, Parks discusses the troubling claims of non-citizen voting and the evolving trends in early voting, all highlighting the complex dynamics shaping the upcoming election.

In a compelling discussion, NPR Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson sheds light on Special Counsel Jack Smith's recent revelations regarding Donald Trump's alleged election interference. They unpack the legal intricacies of the case, including Trump's actions during the January 6th Capitol riot and the potential impact of the upcoming 2024 election on the proceedings. Johnson also highlights pivotal Supreme Court rulings that could shape the outcome, making for a fascinating exploration of law, politics, and justice.