Former President Donald Trump has faced a tough start to August, dealing with multiple legal challenges.
With a rigorous presidential campaign from Vice President Kamala Harris heating up, Trump encountered two significant legal setbacks in just two days. First, a new hearing was set in his federal election subversion case on Saturday, followed by a Monday ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that approved a sentencing hearing for his 34 felony counts in New York, refusing to intervene.
Adding to the turbulence, Trump’s ex-lawyer Jenna Ellis cooperated in Arizona’s election subversion case, which could lead to additional legal concerns for Trump, despite him not being indicted there yet.
This flash of legal troubles comes after a string of recent victories, including favorable Supreme Court rulings regarding presidential immunity and a federal judge dismissing a related case in Florida.
Let’s break down the legal hurdles Trump faced during the first week of August.
Federal Election Subversion Case
Judge Tanya Chutkan, handling Trump’s federal election-related case, dismissed a motion to drop all charges citing presidential immunity. While a trial likely won’t happen before the November election, a hearing has been set for August 16.
Trump was indicted earlier in August 2023 for trying to overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory, as well as for involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the U.S., obstructing official proceedings, and conspiracy against rights.
New York Sentencing
In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 felony charges centered on falsifying business records related to “hush money” payments made during the 2016 election. The sentencing date was initially pushed to September 18 after being delayed from July, as the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity were assessed.
A lawsuit from Missouri sought to block the sentencing, arguing it would hinder voting rights in the state ahead of the election and that Trump’s gag order was restrictive. However, the Supreme Court allowed the sentencing to proceed, quashing Missouri’s bid. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas voiced support for continuing the lawsuit.
Jenna Ellis Takes the Stand
Ellis, once part of Trump’s legal team that sought to overturn the 2020 results, was indicted in April, along with others, for trying to alter Arizona’s election outcome through “fake electors.” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes confirmed on Monday that Ellis has agreed to testify honestly whenever required, marking a pivotal moment in the case.