As the 2020 US presidential election approaches, incumbent President Donald Trump is facing several legal cases that have been brought against him in the past few years. These cases have not only made headlines but have also sparked debates and discussions about the President’s actions and behavior. Let’s take a look at where some of the most significant legal cases against Trump currently stand.
1. The Mueller Investigation
One of the most high-profile cases brought against President Trump was the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. This investigation was initiated after concerns were raised about Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. The investigation also looked into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
The Mueller report was released in April 2019, and while it did not establish any criminal conspiracy between Trump and Russia, it did outline multiple instances of potential obstruction of justice by the president. However, the Department of Justice concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge Trump with any crimes.
2. Emoluments Clause Lawsuits
Multiple lawsuits have been brought against Trump for violating the Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution, which states that the President cannot accept gifts or payments from foreign governments without the approval of Congress. These lawsuits claim that Trump’s business interests, including his hotel in Washington, D.C., have received payments from foreign governments in violation of this clause.
In December 2019, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a lawsuit brought by the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia could move forward, stating that the plaintiffs had shown sufficient legal standing to bring the case. This case is still ongoing.
3. Trump University Lawsuits
Another high-profile case against Trump was the class-action lawsuit filed against Trump University in 2013. The lawsuit, brought by former students, accused the university of engaging in deceptive marketing practices and defrauding them of thousands of dollars in tuition fees.
After several years of legal battles, Trump agreed to pay $25 million in a settlement to the students in 2016, just weeks before he was elected president. However, one former student has continued to pursue legal action against Trump, claiming that he was not adequately compensated in the settlement.
4. Summer Zervos Defamation Lawsuit
In 2019, a New York State appellate court allowed a defamation lawsuit brought by former “The Apprentice” contestant, Summer Zervos, to proceed against Trump. Zervos is accusing Trump of defaming her when he called her a liar after she made allegations of sexual misconduct against him in 2016.
Trump’s legal team tried to argue that the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution prevents a sitting president from being sued in state court. However, the court rejected this argument, stating that Trump is not immune to state lawsuits for unofficial acts. The case is currently on hold due to a pending appeal.
5. E. Jean Carroll Defamation Lawsuit
In November 2019, writer E. Jean Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump, accusing him of making false and defamatory statements when he denied her allegations of sexual assault. Carroll claims that Trump attacked her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the mid-1990s.
The case is currently ongoing, with Trump’s legal team trying to get it dismissed. They argue that the comments made by Trump were made as part of his official duties as President, and therefore he is immune from the lawsuit. However, the court has not yet ruled on this issue.
In conclusion, these are just some of the legal cases that have been brought against President Trump before his reelection. As the cases continue to make their way through the legal system, it remains to be seen how they will ultimately affect the President and his bid for a second term in office.
