Donald Trump, former president of the United States, faces several criminal trials as he seeks a second presidential term.
These cases not only have legal implications but also political ones, affecting his campaign and the perception of voters.
Open trials against Donald Trump
Stormy Daniels case
Donald Trump was accused of paying $130.000 to Stormy Daniels to keep her from disclosing information about an alleged extramarital affair before the 2016 election.
These payments would have been made through his attorney, Michael Cohen, and incorrectly recorded on the Trump Organization's books as legal expenses.
Furthermore, it is alleged that these funds came from campaign money, which would constitute a violation of electoral regulations.
On May 31, 2024, the jury found Donald Trump guilty on all charges.
The reading of the sentence is scheduled for September 18, 2024.
Whatever the conviction, it will influence public perception and electoral support, but it will not affect his ability to run for and serve as president, since, in the United States, there is no constitutional provision or federal law that prevents a person with criminal record or serving a sentence to run as a candidate for presidential elections and serve as president.
Electoral interference in Georgia
Trump is accused of violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which carries a penalty of five to twenty years in prison.
He is alleged to have formed a “criminal enterprise” to conspire and illegally change the election results.
The investigation began because Trump made a phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in which he asked him to “find 11.780 votes,” which would be enough to change the outcome of the 2021 election in his favor.
This call is considered a pressure measure to alter the 2020 election results in Georgia.
Additionally, during the investigation it was discovered that Trump attempted to create lists of false voters to support his candidacy and presented false evidence of electoral fraud.
Currently, the procedure has been suspended due to various legal and procedural reasons.
One of the main reasons is that the Georgia Court of Appeals is considering a request to disqualify Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis, who is handling the case.
This review has paused the proceedings until a decision is made on the possible disqualification of the prosecutor.
storming the capitol
Trump is accused of inciting his followers to attack the Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's election victory, through his speeches and messages before and during January 6.
His speech at the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington DC is considered a key factor that motivated his followers to storm the Capitol.
This procedure is currently ongoing.
Classified documents
The case of the falsified documents against Donald Trump was dismissed on July 15 by a federal judge in Florida.
Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that the Justice Department's appointment of special counsel Jack Smith was unconstitutional, citing that it was not approved by Congress and that funding for his office was also inappropriate.
This led to the dismissal of all charges related to the mishandling of classified documents that Trump faced in this case.
Judge Cannon made a controversial decision, due to her apparent bias toward Trump, and the Justice Department is likely to appeal.
In conclusion, the last three cases against Donald Trump are unlikely to be resolved before the November 2024 elections.
How would this affect trade relations with Spain?
Si Donald Trump will win the 2024 presidential election, trade relations between the United States and Spain could be significantly affected.
During his first term, Trump favored American domestic production by imposing tariffs and renegotiating trade agreements.
This protectionist approach sought to reduce the United States trade deficit, but also generated tensions with trading partners, including the European Union.
Spain, as a member of the EU, was affected by these policies, as several of its products, such as wine and olive oil, faced higher tariff barriers to enter the US market, which harmed Spanish producers by making its products less competitive in the US market.
A second term could see the reintroduction or increase of tariffs.
If these tariffs are reintroduced, there could be a decrease in Spanish exports to the United States, negatively affecting bilateral trade.
Since Joe Biden became president, the Biden administration has worked to reduce trade tensions with the European Union, removing some of the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
This has facilitated trade in products such as steel, aluminum, and various agricultural products, including wine and olive oil, benefiting Spanish exporters.
If Trump were to lose the election, a successor administration could continue working to remove remaining trade barriers and prevent the reimposition of tariffs, facilitating freer and fairer trade between the United States and Spain.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's legal status and the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will have a significant impact on trade relations between the United States and Spain.
While a second Trump term could bring back protectionist policies and increase trade tensions, a successor administration, continuing Biden's policies, could foster a more cooperative and beneficial environment for both countries.
Pending court decisions and election results will be crucial in defining the future of these trade relationships.
Jurist and internationalist. Paralegal and analyst at RELACIÓNATEYPUNTO.
