Trump’s legal victories make it easier to plan campaign schedule for general election.

Former President Trump has recently seen a series of victories in the legal arena, which have temporarily halted a number of cases that could have complicated his electoral campaign during the general election season.

One significant ruling came earlier this month from the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States. The court declared that a former president enjoys substantial immunity from prosecution for official acts performed while in office. However, this immunity does not extend to unofficial acts. The Supreme Court emphasized that the line between official and unofficial acts must be carefully determined by lower courts.

In the majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, it was stated, “The President may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers and is entitled to a presumptive immunity for all official acts. This immunity remains applicable to all occupants of the Oval Office, irrespective of their political affiliations.”

The issue of presidential immunity originated from special counsel Jack Smith’s case against Trump regarding events on January 6. Trump pleaded not guilty to these charges, and the trial was paused pending the Supreme Court’s decision, effectively wiping out any charges related to official presidential acts.

The Supreme Court’s ruling prompted Trump’s legal team to request a delay in his sentencing in the case of New York v. Trump. He had been found guilty of all charges related to falsifying business records after a controversial trial stemming from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation.

The sentencing, initially scheduled for July 11 before the Republican National Convention, was postponed by Judge Juan Merchan until September 18.

Following this, Trump’s lawyers sought to have the guilty verdict in New York v. Trump overturned, citing the Supreme Court ruling as grounds for dismissing the indictment and vacating the jury’s verdict. The motion argued that certain evidence relating to official acts should not have been presented during the trial.

Another legal development saw U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissing special counsel Jack Smith’s case against Trump regarding classified records. The charges stemmed from allegations of improper retention of classified information at Mar-a-Lago. Trump was acquitted of 37 felony counts in Smith’s investigation, including offenses like the willful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Judge Cannon ruled that Smith’s appointment and funding were unlawful, citing the Constitution’s Appointments Clause which requires certain officials to be appointed by the President with Senate approval. Smith, in this case, bypassed the confirmation process in the Senate.

Meanwhile, in Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis had brought charges against Trump for alleged interference in the 2020 election. Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts, leading to the dismissal of six charges due to insufficient detail in Willis’ allegations. The case faced further turmoil when it was revealed that Willis had an improper relationship with a prosecutor involved in the case.

The Georgia Court of Appeals has decided to hear Trump’s argument to disqualify Willis on December 5, after the 2024 presidential election.

Trump is also facing a civil defamation lawsuit filed by columnist E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of raping her in the 1990s. Trump’s denial of these allegations during his time in office led to a jury awarding more than $83 million in damages to Carroll for the harm caused by his statements.

Additionally, Trump is contesting a civil fraud ruling demanding payment of over $450 million following a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James. The decision has been challenged by Trump’s legal team, alleging that it is unconstitutional.

These legal battles have put a spotlight on the former president’s legal strategies and challenges as he navigates through a series of high-profile cases that will undoubtedly impact his political future.