Former President Donald Trump faces a busy week in at least five courts, with decisions expected on whether he can continue to do business in New York state and whether a federal trial on charges of election interference will be postponed. The cases include mishandling of classified documents, immunity from prosecution, falsifying business records, and civil fraud. Trump's legal battles reflect the crowded litigation calendar he faces as he campaigns to return to the White House as the Republican front-runner.
The Silt Police Department is investigating an incident at a restaurant involving U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and her ex-husband, Jayson Boebert. Details are limited as the investigation is ongoing, but no arrests were made at the scene. Lauren Boebert has denied allegations of punching her ex-husband, and Jayson Boebert has stated he does not wish to press charges. The incident was first reported by a political group aiming to unseat Boebert, who has a history of legal issues, as does her ex-husband. Lauren Boebert, a controversial figure, recently announced plans to switch congressional districts for a "fresh start."
Georgia has joined a coalition of states in a legal effort to ensure former President Donald Trump remains on Colorado's 2024 presidential ballot. This move comes in response to a Colorado Supreme Court decision that barred Trump from the ballot, citing a violation of the U.S. Constitution's insurrection clause. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on February 8, with the outcome potentially affecting Trump's eligibility in other states as well. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who has not been a staunch Trump ally, emphasized the importance of voter determination over judicial intervention in elections. The case has broader implications, as it could set a precedent for future candidate eligibility disputes.
Special counsel Jack Smith's investigation has revealed new insights into former President Donald Trump's inaction during the January 6 Capitol riot. Testimonies from Trump's close aides, including Dan Scavino and Nick Luna, indicate that Trump was disinterested in stopping the violence and even showed indifference to Vice President Mike Pence's safety. Despite urgent pleas from his staff, Trump remained focused on the belief that the election was stolen. The investigation's findings suggest a deeper level of nonchalance and detachment from Trump than previously known, raising questions about his conduct and responsibility during the events of January 6.
Former President Donald Trump has unleashed a series of attacks on Judge Arthur Engoron on social media, criticizing the judge's decisions in the ongoing New York civil fraud case against him. Trump, who is also contending with four criminal cases, has labeled the lawsuit a political witch hunt orchestrated by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The case, which alleges Trump inflated his net worth for financial gain, is nearing its conclusion, with closing arguments scheduled for Thursday. Trump denies any wrongdoing and has taken to Truth Social to express his outrage, particularly after the penalty sought by James was increased to over $370 million. The judge's rulings and the case's implications continue to be a point of contention for Trump as he remains a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Wayne LaPierre has resigned as the leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA) just days before a civil trial is set to begin, where he is one of the defendants. LaPierre, who has been a significant figure in advocating for Second Amendment rights, cited health reasons for his departure. The New York Attorney General's lawsuit against the NRA alleges financial misconduct and aims to hold LaPierre and other executives accountable. The trial will proceed against the remaining defendants, with the NRA facing accusations of violating non-profit laws and mismanaging funds.
Mary Trump, the niece of former President Donald Trump, has speculated that the potential forced sale of Mar-a-Lago could bring Trump to the "brink of ruin" amid his New York civil fraud case. New York Attorney General Letitia James has increased the damages sought from Trump and his organization to $370 million plus interest and is seeking a lifetime ban on Trump operating in New York's real estate market, with a five-year ban for his sons. Trump has denied wrongdoing and criticized James, while his legal team has dismissed the claims of fraud. The outcome of the case, which is being decided by Judge Arthur Engoron without a jury, is expected by the end of January.
Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman running for Ohio's state House, was disqualified for not including her birth name on her nominating petitions, as required by state law. Joy, who was unaware of the statute, is appealing the decision and plans to challenge the law in court. The case highlights potential barriers for transgender candidates in elections and has sparked discussion about the implications of such legal requirements in the context of transgender rights and political participation.
Former President Donald Trump has reacted strongly to New York Attorney General Letitia James' move to seek $370 million in fines against him in a civil-fraud case. Trump's outburst on Truth Social, where he called James "totally corrupt," comes after the AG's office increased the damages sought from $250 million to $370 million, citing new evidence of fraudulent conduct by Trump and his organization. The case, which also seeks to ban Trump and his sons from New York real estate dealings, is part of a series of legal challenges that could affect Trump's 2024 presidential run. Judge Arthur Engoron is expected to rule on the case by the end of January.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by former President Donald Trump after the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified him from the state's Republican primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause related to the January 6 Capitol attack. The case is set for a fast-tracked decision with oral arguments on February 8, ahead of the Colorado primary on March 5. This decision could have significant implications for Trump's potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election and raises questions about the political neutrality of the Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed by Trump.
Special counsel Jack Smith's team has countered former President Donald Trump's legal team's motion to hold Smith in contempt for allegedly violating court deadlines. Smith's office asserts they complied with the court's order by continuing to provide discovery as previously scheduled and that Trump's claims of partisanship and misconduct are unfounded. The case is currently on hold while an appeals court reviews Trump's claim of presidential immunity, with a hearing on the matter set for the following week.
Special counsel Jack Smith's team filed a response to former President Donald Trump's legal team's motion to hold Smith in contempt for allegedly violating court deadlines. Smith's office maintains that they complied with the court's order and continued to voluntarily meet deadlines to facilitate the resumption of the pretrial schedule after the appeals court decision. Trump's team had accused Smith of partisanship and prosecutorial misconduct, which Smith's office called baseless. The appeals court is set to hear arguments soon, with the possibility of the case reaching the Supreme Court.
Special counsel Jack Smith has countered former President Donald Trump's motion to hold him in contempt regarding the January 6 federal election interference case, labeling Trump's claims as "false" and "baseless." Smith asserts that his team's continued submissions and compliance with discovery obligations, despite a stay in the case, do not violate the court's order and are not politically motivated. Trump's legal team argues that the stay should prevent any filings, accusing Smith of acting "lawlessly." The dispute centers on the pace of the trial and Trump's allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, while Smith maintains that the case is being handled fairly and without political bias. Trump, who faces four counts including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruction of an official proceeding, has pleaded not guilty.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated that under current law, the state's Republican electors who submitted false election certificates in 2020 cannot be prosecuted. However, he is recommending legislative changes to prevent and penalize similar actions in the future. The GOP electors' actions were part of a broader attempt by Trump associates to overturn election results, which has led to indictments in other states. Torrez's proposals aim to expand the prohibition against falsified election documents and create laws against falsely acting as a presidential elector, despite GOP opposition framing such changes as political stunts.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated that under current law, the state's Republican electors who submitted false certificates claiming Trump won the 2020 election cannot be prosecuted. However, Torrez is recommending legislative changes to prevent similar situations in the future. While other states have indicted GOP electors for similar actions, New Mexico's electors included a caveat that could protect them legally. Torrez's proposals aim to expand the prohibition against falsified election documents and create laws against falsely acting as a presidential elector, despite GOP opposition framing such changes as unnecessary political maneuvers.
