An overview of the status of the main lawsuits that have been lodged against the president-elect in recent years.
Prior to his reelection in November, President-elect Donald Trump faced years of litigation, including criminal cases brought against him.
The cases against Trump have raised important questions about the application of certain laws and the nature of presidential authority. For example, Trump is expected to face sentencing on Jan. 10 in a New York case that Trump says should be thrown out due to the doctrine of presidential immunity.
A separate lawsuit brought by special counsel Jack Smith prompted a Supreme Court decision that Trump is seeking to apply in New York. The criminal cases have also raised questions about politicized prosecutions, or purported lawfare.
Here is a rundown of the lawsuits and some of the key developments involved.
Description: Special counsel Jack Smith filed a four-count indictment, alleging that Trump attempted to defraud the United States and interfere with election certification in his actions on and surrounding Jan. 6, 2021.
AUG. 1, 2023 Special counsel Jack Smith files indictment in D.C. with four counts.
OCT. 16, 2023 D.C. Judge Tanya Chutkan imposes gag order on Trump.
FEB. 6, 2024 U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upholds Chutkan’s ruling that presidents do not enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution.
APRIL 25, 2024 Oral argument before Supreme Court on Trump’s appeal in Trump v. United States.
JUNE 28, 2024 Supreme Court issues its ruling in Fischer v. United States, which focused on a different case but questioned an obstruction law used in Trump’s case.
JULY 1, 2024 Supreme Court rules on Trump’s appeal, says presidents have different levels of immunity from criminal prosecution.
AUG. 27, 2024 Smith files superseding indictment after Supreme Court decision.
SEPT. 5, 2024 Case resumes in district court with status conference and discussion about how to reevaluate immunity.
NOV. 6, 2024 Trump wins 2024 presidential election.
NOV. 25, 2024 Chutkan dismisses case on request of Smith, who cites the DOJ’s longstanding policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.
JAN. 8, 2025 DOJ says it will release part of Smith’s findings from his prosecution of Trump.
By Sam Dorman
