Lisa Rubin Breaks Down Trump’s Legal Challenges as Key Dates Approach
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MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin provided an overview of the critical legal challenges former President Donald Trump faces this month, just weeks before he campaigns for potential reelection. One of the key dates on Trump’s legal calendar is September 18, when his sentencing in the New York hush money case is scheduled. This follows his conviction earlier this year.
Additionally, a ruling on whether this conviction will be overturned is expected just two days earlier, on September 16. Rubin highlighted the potential impact of Trump’s legal battles on his 2024 presidential run. If Trump were to win the presidency, he would have the power to pardon himself in two of his major legal cases—the D.C. election interference case and the Florida classified documents case—since both involve federal charges. This possibility has raised significant discussion about the unprecedented use of presidential pardon powers.
In a post published to X, Rubin wrote:
Tomorrow’s the first working day of September—and we could see action in both state and federal courts as soon as tomorrow in Trump’s criminal cases. First, Trump has asked Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw his Manhattan criminal trial, to postpone his sentencing, a request that the Manhattan [district attorney] DA did not outright oppose. Merchan has yet to decide on that motion.
Second, both sides submitted their proposals to Judge Tanya Chutkan for what should happen next in the federal election case. She’s got a status conference scheduled for this Thursday, but could she ask for more clarity or details before then? Sure could.
Third, Trump’s team is trying to remove the NY case from federal court. If not summarily rejected, that would postpone Trump’s NY sentencing no matter what Merchan does. The notice was rejected late Friday, but Team Trump maintains it simply needs to be’ filed in a specific format.’ And as the work week begins tomorrow, we could see movement on any of these fronts. Stay tuned.
However, Rubin pointed out that Trump would not have the same ability to pardon himself in the New York hush money case or the Georgia election interference case. These cases are under state jurisdiction, where presidential pardon powers do not apply.
In New York, the only individual with the power to grant clemency is the state governor. In Georgia, as Politico notes, “The only entity with the power to grant pardons or other forms of clemency is the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, a five-member panel appointed by the governor.”
These state-level cases represent significant legal hurdles for Trump, as they fall outside the reach of presidential pardons. As Rubin explained, Trump’s legal strategy and the outcomes of these cases could heavily influence his campaign and his ability to navigate the legal challenges while seeking another term in the White House.
With these critical dates approaching, all eyes are on the courts as Trump continues to juggle his legal battles with his political aspirations, making September a pivotal month in both his legal and political journey.
