Former President Donald Trump is still making headlines as he runs for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The Republican front runner is up against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and dealing with multiple high profile lawsuits. Here’s the latest on Trump’s campaign, his legal troubles and the bigger picture for American politics.
1. Trump vs Harris: It’s Getting Close
The 2024 presidential election is going to be one of the closest in U.S. history. Less than a week until Election Day and Trump and Harris are neck and neck in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona.
Harris is up in the polls nationally but Trump is competitive in the electoral college thanks to strong support in rural and working class areas. His campaign is focused on economic resurgence, national security and “law and order”. Harris is focused on healthcare reform, climate action and defending democracy.
It’s big, both sides are going to mobilize their bases in this election that could change the face of the country.
2. Legal Troubles: No Get Out of Jail Free Card
Trump’s campaign is happening while he’s in the middle of multiple legal battles. A federal appeals court just ruled that Trump can’t claim presidential immunity in a case about his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This is a big legal loss for Trump.
The ruling allows federal prosecutors to move forward with charges and could put Trump on trial in the middle of his campaign. Legal experts expect an appeal to the Supreme Court but the timing of this decision could be huge as it coincides with big campaign events.
Trump has dismissed the charges as a politically motivated “witch hunt,” rallying his supporters around the narrative of government overreach.
3. Pardons for January 6 Convicts
Trump’s return to the White House has given hope to those convicted of January 6. Several of those serving time have publicly said they think a Trump win would mean pardons or reduced sentences.
Pardons is the big issue of what the broader implications of the Capitol attack and Trump’s use of executive power. Critics say it would be a get out of jail free card, while others say it would be justice.
He has hinted at pardons, calling them a way to “fix” the system.
What’s Next
As Election Day approaches the intersection of Trump’s lawsuits and his political aspirations gets more and more interesting. Whether he can overcome these and get back to the White House will have big implications for the country’s politics, law and society.
Stay tuned.
