According to a filing from James’ office, on the day last month that was established as a deadline for Trump to turn over the documents, his legal team instead filed 16 objections to James’ request. James’ office asked the court that Trump be fined $10,000 per day until all of the requested documents are turned over.
That pronouncement comes six weeks after two prosecutors left the investigation — a development that led Trump’s legal team to declare what now looks like a preemptive victory in the case.
Bragg’s office is looking into tax fraud allegations.
The twin developments Thursday highlight the fact that the biggest impediment to a Trump campaign return in 2024 may well be legal, not political.
On the latter front, the Republican Party appears to be entirely at Trump’s beck and call — and early polling suggests he would have little trouble in a primary.
But Trump’s legal entanglements remain serious. In addition to the two probes in New York, some Democrats on the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol are pushing for charges against the former President.
To be clear: Trump has not been charged or convicted of anything. And he denies all of the allegations against him.
But it’s impossible to not see the myriad cases working their way through the legal system as, at best, a big distraction for the former President as he looks to his own political future.
Trump’s legal strategy has often been to sue everyone and everything as a way to muddy the waters around any one case and to slow down proceedings.
That reality has led some Democrats to pressure Attorney General Merrick Garland to act with alacrity on recommendations made by the January 6 committee.
