The case against former President Donald Trump, led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, is now in a critical phase. After Trump’s re-election in the November 5, 2024 election, the Department of Justice (DOJ) faces an unusual situation: a president-elect with serious criminal charges, particularly related to the 2020 election and January 6 events. This unusual circumstance has raised serious questions about how justice can be handled without disrupting national stability.
On November 3, Smith asked Judge Tanya Chutkan to delay all remaining deadlines in Trump’s case, giving prosecutors time to assess “the appropriate course going forward.” Smith’s request was clear: “The government needs time to assess this unprecedented circumstance,” he explained. December 2 is the deadline by which the DOJ must report its plan to the court, explaining how they will proceed given that a sitting president is typically not prosecuted, as per DOJ policy.
This legal dilemma has fueled deep concerns. Critics argue Trump has used his political influence to evade justice, with some even suggesting he ran for office to avoid prosecution. “This is the only reason Trump ran for office and the unwritten rule that a sitting President is never prosecuted,” tweeted Victoria Sierra, expressing what many Americans believe to be a troubling exploitation of the system.
This is the only reason Trump ran for office and the unwritten rule that a sitting President is never prosecuted. 😔
— VictoriaSierra 🇪🇺 🇺🇦🇮🇪 (@ManUtdV) November 8, 2024
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The DOJ policy on presidential immunity has been a cornerstone in this case. Longstanding policy suggests that a sitting president cannot be charged with criminal offenses. But critics wonder if Trump’s actions should make him an exception. Trump’s promise to fire Jack Smith “within two seconds” after re-entering office has only deepened these worries. This comment alone has made people question whether he is seeking the presidency for his personal benefit rather than for the American people.
A major fear is that if Trump’s charges are dropped due to DOJ policy, it could send a dangerous message that power can protect anyone from accountability. Many Americans see this as an abuse of power. “This is a disgrace,” tweeted John Varga, pointing out the DOJ’s failure to complete its work sooner.
This is a disgrace. It’s a failure of the justice department for not getting this done sooner.
— John Varga (@John47va) November 8, 2024
The American people have watched these cases develop for years, only to face the possibility that nothing may come of it. However, Smith’s team is considering several paths forward. They could attempt to close the case before Inauguration Day, withdraw the charges, or push for a final report summarizing the evidence against Trump. According to reports, Smith is working with top DOJ officials to see if he can issue this report, which would likely be made public before Trump assumes office.
The broader question is whether accountability is achievable. Some believe that, as long as Trump is in office, the justice system won’t treat him fairly. Others feel he should still face consequences as a citizen, regardless of his position. One social media user, 3rd Time’s A Charm, urged, “The appropriate course is to release the evidence so that we know firsthand what we are dealing with.”
The appropriate course is to release the evidence so that we know firsthand what we are dealing with and what to expect moving forward!
— 3rd Time’s A Charm 🇺🇸🦅 (@ThirdTimeIsACh2) November 8, 2024
This moment is a test of the American justice system. The DOJ’s decision will impact not only this case but how Americans view justice and equality. If the law cannot hold powerful individuals accountable, then the principles of fairness and accountability could be at risk.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
