NUNZIUM

The former US President Donald Trump is currently embroiled in a series of legal battles that are both relentless and unprecedented. Recently indicted for the third time, Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to overturn his 2020 election defeat. This marks his third time as a criminal defendant in a span of four months, a situation uncommon for a former US president.

The charges against Trump stem from the Capitol riot on 6 January 2021. The same courthouse, located close to the US Capitol, has already seen around 1,000 defendants charged in connection with the riot. The charges against Trump in the latest indictment include a count of "conspiracy to impair, obstruct, and defeat the federal government function through dishonesty, fraud and deceit". This indictment is a result of an inquiry into the Capitol riot, which according to the indictment, was "fuelled by lies."

Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election to Joe Biden and his subsequent actions have led to serious allegations related to the 2020 presidential election. These include efforts to undermine the election results, inciting supporters to storm the Capitol, conspiring to defraud the United States and preventing voters from exercising their constitutional rights. These charges are more serious than past indictments, which included falsifying business records in New York and withholding top-secret documents in Florida.

In addition to these charges, Trump faces two other indictments for mishandling classified files and falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment. He now faces five upcoming trials - three in New York, over the hush-money payment, and civil trials over business practices and alleged defamation of a woman who accused him of rape. The fourth trial will take place in Florida relating to the alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Despite these legal challenges, Trump remains a prominent figure in American politics. Currently, he is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican White House nomination. Recent polls indicate a tie between Biden and Trump at 43% support for a potential rematch. However, these indictments could affect his potential reelection campaign, as they may deter swing voters and some Republican voters.

The trials, scheduled for March and May 2024, during the primaries, could complicate his second run for the White House. If Trump can convince judges that he believed he had won the 2020 election, it could potentially boost his chances in court. The US Constitution does not prohibit a convicted criminal from being elected president, which could potentially lead to a constitutional crisis. The question of whether Trump could exert influence over the Department of Justice and the nation's criminal prosecution apparatus remains, with the US Supreme Court ultimately needing to rule on the matter.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the legal saga surrounding Trump continues to evolve, with the next hearing set for 28 August. The outcome of these trials could significantly shape Trump's political future and the American political landscape at large. This case serves as a stark reminder that no one, including a president, is above the law. As the world watches this legal drama unfold, the implications of these trials remain a topic of global interest.