So. What about all those legal cases against Trump?
We’ve all heard about the bouquet of cases being dumped on Trump but whither stand they? Have they truly withered? Have they wilted like so many swooning Democrats in the face of the balls-scunchie display of the Republicans?
Here’s a rundown of where so many of these cases stand. Information on case backgrounds and more details of their present status can be found here.
CIVIL CASES
E. Jean Carroll Defamation Suit
Carroll v. Trump, No.20-cd-07311, 2020WL 6277814 (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 27, 2020) appeal docketed, No. 20-03977 (2nd Cir. Nov. 25, 2020)
Plaintiff: E. Jean Carroll, Journalist and Advice Columnist
SDNY Proceedings: Opposing memoranda on Trump’s motion to stay filed in December, 2020. No court ruling as of yet. Court denial of the motion could allow Carroll’s defamation claim to proceed concomitantly with the 2nd Court’s hearing of Trump’s FTCA (Federal Tort Claims Act) immunity appeal.
Separate opening briefs were file by Trump and the DOJ in the 2nd Circuit on Jan. 15, 2021. Attorneys for Carrol requested an April 16, 2021 due date for their brief. The scheduling data was granted by the court. The brief was filed on Apr.16 2021. The DOJ and Trump have the option to file reply briefs.
Summer Zervos Defamation Suit
Zervos vs. Trump, No. 150522/2017 (N.Y. Sup Ct. Jan. 17, 2017), appeal docketed, No. APL-2020-00009 (N.Y. Mar. 9, 2020)
Plaintiff: Summer Zervos, former contestant on the Apprentice
Trump filed a motion to dismiss and a stay for the duration of his presidency. The court denied Trump’s motion on Oct. 3, 2018. The court found that no federalism or comity concerns suggest a state court could not hear suit against a president for nonofficial acts. Finding was affirmed by a panel of New York appellate judges in Oct. 2019—the president is “not above the law” and the defamation suit can proceed.
The motion has been appealed to the New York Court of Appeals. With Trump out of office, Zervos has filed a motion to continue the lawsuit
The New York Court of Appeals denied Trump’s appeal on his motion to dismiss on Mar. 30, 2021 Filing the motion while President, the court decided Trump’s issues were now moot and the case can proceed.
Mary Trump Fraud Litigation
Trump v. Trump, No. 654698/2020 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. filed Sept. 24, 2020)
Plaintiff: Mary Trump, the former guy’s niece
A dismissal was filed by Trump on Jan. 4, 2021. Mary filed a response on Feb. 26, 2021.
Panama Hotel Fraud and Tax Litigation
Ithaca Cap. Invs. v. Trump Pan. Hotel Mgmt., No. 18-cv-00390 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 30, 2020)
Plaintiff: Ithaca Capital, a real estate holding company that purchased a majority of the Trump International Hotel in Panama
Each of Ithaca’s claims was challenged by Trump International which asserted several counterclaims. The district court upheld all three of Ithaca’s claims and dismissed all but one of Trump’s counterclaims on Mar. 30,2020.
The parties are in discovery and due to finish by Fall 2021.
Doe v. The Trump Corporation Class Action
Doe v. Trump Corp., No. 18-cv-09936 (S.D.N.Y. Oct 29, 2018), appeal docketed, No. 20-01706 (2d Cir. May 28, 2020)
Plaintiffs: (Anonymous) Jane Doe, Luke Loe, Mary Moe, Richard Roe
The district court judge denied Trumps’ motion to force arbitration. The Trumps filed an interlocutory appeal to the 2nd Circuit. In addition, the Trumps filed a motion to stay the legal process. The court denied this motion.
DC Civil Suit over Misuse of 2017 Inauguration Funds
District of Columbia v. 58th Presidential Inauguration Comm., No. 2020-CA-00488-B (D.C. Super. Ct. Sept. 9, 2020)
Prosecuting Office: DC Attorney General (AG)
Defendants (the committee and two Trump businesses) moved to dismiss the suit. The district court denied the motion in Sept. 2020. The DC AG AG alleged that the committee improperly paid a hotel bill using its nonprofit funds on behalf of the businesses. The suit is in discovery and the AG’s office has deposed several high-level Trump executives including Ivanka and Donald Trump, Jr.
Bennie Thompson Incitement Suit for Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
Thompson v. Trump, No. 21-cv-00400 (D.D.C. filed Feb. 16, 2021)
Plaintiff: Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.-2), represented by the NAACP
The complaint was filed on Feb. 16, 2021, with attached summons. Defendants’ answers are due in late April.
Eric Swalwell Incitement Suit for Jan. 6 Riots
Swalwell v. Trump, No 21-cv-00586 (D.D.C. filed Mar. 5, 2021)
Plaintiff: Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Ca.)
Suit was filed Mar. 5, 2021. Trump’s answer is due May 23, 2021.
Capitol Police Suit for Jan. 6 Riots
Blassingame v. Trump, No. 21-cv-00858 (D.D.C. filed Mar 30, 2021)
Plaintiff: James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby, two Capitol police officers
Officers filed suit in DC federal court Mar. 30, 2021.
NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund Voting Rights Case
Mich. Welfare Rights Org. v. Trump, No. 20-cv-03388 (D.D.C. filed Nov. 20, 2020)
Plaintiff: Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and the NAACP, represented by the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund (LDF).
Defendants moved to dismiss the case on Feb. 25, 2021.
NY Civil Suit over Fraudulent Real Estate Practices
People v. Trump Org., No. 451685/2020 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Dec. 15, 2020)
Plaintiff: New York Attorney General (AG)
Jame’s office deposed Eric Trump in Oct. 2020 in connection with the Seven Springs subpoenas. James also sought related records held by Trump’s tax lawyers. The state judge disagreed with Trump’s counsel of attorney-client privilege and ruled on Jan. 29, 2021 that thousands of documents regarding tax deductions must by tuned over.
CRIMINAL CASES
Investigations into Trump’s Finances
Trump v. Deutsche Bank, No. 19-cv-03826 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 29, 2019)
Trump v. Vance, No. 19-cv-08694 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 19, 2019)
Prosecuting Office: In 2019, then-President Trump sued to block subpoenas issued by three House committees and the Manhattan District Attorney seeking his financial information in 2019. As of Feb. 22, the Manhattan DA now has access to Trump’s tax information.
Congressional subpoenas expired with the seating of the new Congress. The Supreme Court refused to block Vance’s subpoena on Feb. 22, 2021. Vance’s office has access to millions of pages of documents relating to Trump’s tax returns.
Attention has focused on chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg. The probe has expanded to include a $130 million loan received by the Trump Organization to build the Chicago Tower.
DC Attorney General Incitement Investigation for Attack on U.S. Capitol
Prosecuting Office: DC Attorney General (AG)
Trump’s conduct is being investigated by Racine’s office but no charges have yet been filed.
Fulton County, Georgia Criminal Election Influence Investigation
Prosecuting Office: Fulton County, GA District Attorney’s Office.
The Fulton County DA’s Office sent letters to Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger, and Att. Gen. Christopher Carr on Feb. 10, 2021 informing them of the new investigations and requesting the preservation of all records and employee emails from non-government accounts relating to the election.
The county DA plans to investigate Sen. Lindsey Grahams phone call to Georgia Sec. of State Raffensberger regarding the throwing out of legally cast ballots. In addition, the DA’s office is investigating the possible violation of election laws by Rudy Guiliani’s false statements.
Prosecutors are expected to seek grand jury subpoenas for documents and witnesses. As of Mar. 28, 2021, there are reportedly two grand juries considering subpoenas for documents.
There ya go. How the wheels of Justice turn.