This post is an analysis of the trials of Donald Trump. He’s been accused of committing crimes in a series of civil and criminal cases that he refers to as “witch hunts.” It is well known that Trump often uses the phrase “witch hunt” to condemn the cases, but especially the prosecutors and judges.
According to Philip C. Almond, a professor, in the History of Religious Thought at The University of Queensland, Trump has used the term “witch hunt” over 337 times (in capital letters) since his inauguration in 2017. Remarkably this count only covers his first two years in office! It’s estimated that he has now uttered the phrase more than 1,000 times.
None of the Trump trials or indictments are witch hunts. It’s a matter of which hunt or investigation you want to examine and the charges leveled at Trump. Trump faces legal battles in civil fraud cases in New York. In one case, he’s already been found guilty of fraud. He was tried and found liable for sexual assault allegations. He also has been indicted in three other cases: the classified documents case in Florida, the election interference indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, and the January 6 case in Washington, D.C.
Overview
Table 1 lists six cases that are ongoing against the former president. If you turn your attention the “charges” column it shows the range of crimes committed before, during, and after Trump was in office. If you do a Google search of “Trump crimes” the results will reveal crimes he committed starting with his lying about refusing to rent to Black families in New York.
| Case | Charges | Links to the Indictment | Defendants | Counts | Prosector | Judge | Trial Date |
| Hush Money | Falsifying business records | Hush money | 1 | 34 | Alvin Bragg | Juan Merchan | 2024 |
| Civil Financial Fraud | Lying to lenders and insurers about the value of properties on financial statements Corporate fraud | Judge’s Ruling—first trial Trump found guilty of fraud; liable for $250 million; loss of business certificate | Multiple | 2 | Letitia James | Arthur F. Engoron | Second trial— October 2, 2026 – December 2023 |
| Sexual Assault | Sexual assault Rape | Carroll v. Trump—first trial found Trump liable for sexual assault—fine—$5 million. | 1 | 4 | Lewis Kaplan | Second trial—January 2, 2024 | |
| Classified Documents | Willful retention of national defense documents False statement Conspiracy to obstruct justice Concealing documents | Classified Documents | 3 | 32 | Jack Smith | Aileen Cannon | May 2024 |
| January 6 | Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding Conspiracy against rights | January 6 | `1 | 4 | Jack Smith | Tanya S. Chutkan | March 4, 2024 |
| Fulton County, Georgia Election Interference | Solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer False statements and writings Filing false documents Violation of the Georgia Racketeer Act Conspiracy to impersonate a public officer Conspiracy to commit forgery Conspiracy to commit false statements Conspiracy to commit computer theft and trespass Conspiracy to commit election fraud Influencing witnesses | Fulton Election Interference | 19 | 32 | Fani Willis | Scott McAfee | October, 27, 2023 (2 of 19 defendants) Other defendants trial in 2024 |
Civil & Criminal Financial Fraud Cases in New York
Donald Trump civil fraud cases, New York lawsuits, fraud & allegations, felony charges
Donald Trump faces two fraud cases in New York. The first is the “hush money” case, and the second is the civil fraud case.
Hush Money Case: Falsifying Business Records
Trump’s hush money indictment includes 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in the first degree. According to the indictment, Trump repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal activity that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 election. The information kept from the public was that Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen made a payment covertly of $130,000 an adult film actress, Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to prevent her from saying anything about her sexual encounter with Trump. The lawyer then made a payment of $130,000 to a shell company, which was illegal. Cohen later pled guilty and spent time in prison.
The case is being led by District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump has called it a witch hunt and pleaded not guilty on his first court appearance. The trial is set for March 2024. Indeed, the judge in the case, told Trump to cancel other obligations in order to be in the courtroom.
Civil Fraud Case
The civil fraud 200 page indictment outlines the charges and evidence brought against Donald Trump regarding statements and records of his assets. Trump and his companies, named as defendants, engaged in numerous acts of fraud and misrepresentation in the preparation of Mr. Trump’s annual statements of financial condition. According to the indictment, Trump “grossly” inflated his personal net worth by inflating the value of properties and other assets in order to receive more favorable terms when borrowing money. This conduct was in violation of a New York Executive Law which prohibits persistent and repeated business fraud. The text of the indictment identifies the defendants as a list of companies and entities that comprise the Trump organization and individuals including Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Allen Weisselberg, and Jeffrey McConney.
Judge Arthur Engoron issued an order recently granting partial summary judgement. Engoron agreed with the prosecution, led by NY Attorney General Letitia James that Trump committed fraud. The judge ordered all Trump’s business licenses canceled in New York. James is seeking at least $250 million in penalties. Following the judge’s decision on fraud, the trial to determine the size of the penalties and disposition of assets began on October 2.
Donald J. Trump, et.al.
Trump, although he did not have to, attended the first three days of the trial. One day, he was told to “shut up” by the judge. On another day, the judge imposed a gag order. Trump called the judge’s law clerk, Chuck Schumer’s girlfriend on his Truth Social media site. This was an outright lie, and the judge took it out on Trump with a gag order.
Trump has acted like the child in the courtroom. Banging on the table, staring at the judge, he folded his arms around himself and yelled out some of his antics. He has also seduced the press by holding forth for them in the hallways of the court building, complaining and telling everyone that this is nothing more than a witch hunt, that the judge is deranged, and Letitia James is a racist.
Donald Trump was humiliated to his face when judge Engoron destroyed his claims that he had “dismissed 80 percent” of his case against him due to the statute of limitations.
The judge told Trump to his face that he alreadt lost the case, and then put him on notice that every use of a false financial statements in business starts the statute of limitations running again” — and that New York Attorney General Letitia James “is not suing” Trump “on the underlying transactions, but on the financial statements that referenced them, which occurred after 2014.”
The judge declared, “Every use of a false financial statements in business starts the statute of limitations running again. I understand that you strongly disagree with this and will appeal on those grounds… that’s what we have appeals for.”
The Allegations of Civil Sexual Assault of E. Jean Carroll in New York: Examining the Case and Its Impact
E. Jean Carroll case, civil sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump, liable for sexual assault, penalties of $
The E. Jean Carroll case has brought to light serious allegations of civil sexual assault against Donald Trump, raising important legal and ethical questions. Carroll maintained that Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman lingerie department dressing room in the spring of 1996, and then defamed her in a social media post a year ago October. Trump denied these charges. A New York jury found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. He was not liable for rape. The jury awarded $5 million in damages for her battery and defamation claims.
Carroll said, “I filed this lawsuit against Donald Trump to clear my name and regain my life. Today, the world finally knows the truth. Trump, of course, has denied her claims and said he doesn’t even know her. He said this was a “continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time.”
Adam Reiss and Dareh Gregorian wrote a detailed story of the E. Jean Carroll abuse and defamation case.
Judge Lewis Kaplan has set another trial for early January 2024 in which Carroll will be able to add to the original suit the allegedly defamatory statement Trump made last month.
The Classified Documents Case in Florida
Donald Trump classified documents case in Florida, accusations of mishandling classified information, legal ramifications
Donald Trump was indicted on June 13, 2023, on 37 charges dealing with boxes full of documents, some classified as Top Secret. He willfully retained them, hid, and conspired to obstruct justice. He turned it into a campaign rally. It was a solemn circus.
The Indictment
Trump’s retention, concealment, and false statements about boxes (some shown in the photos below) of classified documents taken to Florida after his presidency were why he was indicted. Everyone asks why he did this. Some people close to Trump said that he considered these boxes his boxes and could do what he wanted with them. He played with them. He showed his documents in one of his boxes to a few people (that we know about). The only one responsible for the mess he’s in now is Donald Trump and his accomplice, Waltine Nauta.
Trump was indicted on 37 counts, Nauta on six. Here they are.
Counts 1-31. Willful retention of national defense information.
Trump took boxes of documents from the White House (that didn’t belong to him) and most likely had them transported to Mar A Lago on Air Force One when he left Washington on January 20, 2021. Trump kept in unsecured rooms, including a bathroom and a stage in a ballroom. Thirty-one of these documents held national defense information (classified as Top secret, Secret or Confidential). Each document represents a separate charge against Trump.
Count 32—conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The purpose of conspiring (with Waltine Nauta) was to “hide and conceal them from a federal grand jury. The conspiracy included Trump suggesting one attorney to falsely represent the FBI and grand jury that Trump did not have the documents that were subpoenaed. They moved boxes at Mar a Lago to hide them from his attorneys. Trump tried to trick the FBI by giving up some documents. They also made false statements about the document locations.
Count 33—withholding a document or record
From May 11, 2022 through August 2022, in Palm Beach County, Florida, the defendants engaged in misleading conduct toward one of Trump’s attorneys to persuade the attorney to hide or conceal documents.
Count 34–corruptly concealing a document or record.
Trump and Nauta hid and concealed boxes that contained documents with classification markings from one attorney so that another attorney would not find them. Really!
Count 35—concealing a document in a federal investigation
The two of them knowingly concealed, covered up, falsified, and made false entries into records and documents. They did this during a federal investigation into the missing documents.
Count 36—scheme to conceal.
During the grand jury investigation Trump and Nauta hid and concealed from the FBI and the grand jury documents with classification markings.
Count 37—false statements and representations.
Trump and Nauta knowingly and willfully made false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and representations during the grand jury and federal criminal investigations by the FBI. Trump’s and Nauta’s false statements caused one of their attorneys to, in a sworn certification, make false statements about the boxes, their search, and any certifications. The former president hid some of the boxes so the attorney could only locate some of the documents.
From a legal standpoint, mishandling classified information is a violation of federal laws designed to protect national security interests. If proven guilty, individuals responsible for such actions could face significant penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. The severity of these consequences underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat cases related to the mishandling of classified materials.
During an informal gathering at his NJ golf facility, Trump pulled papers from a box of documents that had been presumably moved from Mar A Lago to NJ. On an occasion with three other guests, he shared a secret document, others saying it was too secret. He told them that it was a war plan to be used against Iran.
Then, after leaving office, Trump shared nuclear submarine secrets with an Australian businessman at Mar-a-Lago. Prosecutors have interviewed the businessman. This detailed information provided data that never be released—the number and types of warheads on a Trident Missile.
It is essential to thoroughly examine these allegations as they pertain to one of the highest-ranking officials in the country. The mishandling of classified information is a serious offense that can have severe legal and political consequences.
The Jan 6 Case
The events that unfolded on January 6th, when a group of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the election results, shook the nation to its core. The subsequent investigation into this unprecedented act of violence has revealed shocking findings that demand our attention and decisive action
The investigation into the Capitol riot has uncovered evidence pointing to a coordinated effort by certain individuals and groups to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College results. It is clear that this was not a spontaneous outburst, but rather a meticulously planned attempt to undermine the democratic process and subvert the will of the American people.
The findings paint a disturbing picture of how misinformation, conspiracy theories, and political polarization can lead to such dangerous consequences. The role played by former President Donald Trump in fueling these false narratives cannot be ignored. His relentless claims of election fraud and calls for his supporters to “fight like hell” on that fateful day contributed to an atmosphere of unrest and hostility.
Insurrection
Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that this insurrection resulted in loss of life, injuries, and immense damage to one of our most sacred institutions. The attack on the Capitol was an assault on our democracy itself – an attack against every American who values freedom, justice, and fair elections.
As we reckon with these disturbing revelations from the investigation, it is imperative that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This includes not only those who physically participated in storming the Capitol but also those who incited violence through their words or actions. Justice must be served so that we can begin healing as a nation.
Moving forward, it is essential that we learn from this harrowing experience. We must strengthen our democratic institutions, address disinformation campaigns head-on, promote unity over division, and ensure that such acts are never repeated again.
The events surrounding January 6th were a wake-up call for all Americans – a stark reminder of how fragile democracy can be if we do not actively protect and defend it. It is up to us to come together, learn from this ordeal, and work towards a future where such attempts to undermine our democratic processes are inconceivable.
In conclusion, the investigation into the January 6th Capitol riot has unearthed troubling findings that highlight the urgent need for accountability and introspection. We must confront the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and take concrete steps to safeguard our democracy. Only by doing so can we ensure that our nation remains resilient in the face of any future challenges.
Trump’s lawyers asked a judge to throw out the federal election interference case, citing presidential immunity. It was rejected.
The trial is set for March 4, 2024 according to Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Chutkan rejected efforts by the former president’s legal team to postpone the trial until 2026.
Election Interference in Fulton County, Georgia
Fulton County election interference allegations, voter fraud claims against Donald Trump campaign, racketeering
Election interference in Georgia began with a phone call from Trump to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on January 2, 2021.
August 14, 2023, prosecutors, led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, indicted Trump and 18 co-conspirators, for forgery and racketeering. The racketeering charge violates the Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act. The RICO Act is used to target members of organized crime groups. In this case, the 19 defendants were identified as belonging to an “Enterprise” whose goal was to overthrow Georgia’s general election.
Donald Trump and 18 others have been accused of knowingly and willfully joining a racketeering enterprise. They unlawfully tried to change the election outcome (in Georgia) in favor of Trump. According to the Fulton County indictment, the enterprise contained a common plan and purpose: to commit two or more acts of racketeering activity in Fulton County, Georgia, elsewhere in the State of Georgia, and other states.
- Violation of the Georgia RICO Act
- Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer
- Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer
- Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree (2 counts)
- Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings (2 counts)
- Conspiracy to commit filing false documents
- Filing false documents
- Solicitation of violations of oath by public officer (2 counts)
- False statements and writings (2 counts)
The Fulton County indictment includes 40 charges as summarized above.
Plea Deal. Bail bondsman Scott Hall struck a plea deal with prosecutors that requires him to testify against others, possibly placing the former president at risk, especially as Hall is accused of conspiring with Trump’s lawyer to interfere in the election. Hall admitted to traveling to Coffee County in southern Georgia to participate illegally to breach voting equipment to look for evidence of a rigged election. Hall will get five years of probation, fined $5,000, and have to testify against the other defendants. He also will serve 200 hours of community service. The plea deal is important for the prosecutor’s case. Other defendants might wonder their fate if they go to trial as a member of “the enterprise.”
First Trial. The trial of Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, will begin on Oct. 20 with jury selection. Both demanded a speedy trial, which prompted a Fulton judge to separate them from the case’s other 16 remaining defendants, including Trump, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s onetime personal attorney.
Chesebro was indicted for advising the Trump campaign on appointing GOP electors in swing states won by Democrat Joe Biden. Powell was charged for her alleged efforts to coordinate with Sullivan-Strickler, an Atlanta company, to obtain breached election data from Coffee County.
The trial date for the other 16 defendants has not been set but most likely will begin in the Spring of 2024.
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