Key Dates Ahead for Former President Trump: Immunity Ruling, Biden Clash, and ‘Hush Money’ Sentence | US News
Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star is a historic event.
However, this conviction does not prevent him from running for president again.
As the US election approaches in less than six months, here are the key dates for Trump’s bid to regain the White House.
Expected in the next few weeks – Supreme Court to rule on immunity
Trump argues that former presidents have immunity from prosecution for acts committed while in office – a claim that has been described as a “lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass” by a district judge.
The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on this issue soon.
The Supreme Court is due to make a momentous decision. Pic: Reuters
This ruling could have significant implications as Trump still faces three other criminal cases, including two related to efforts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election and a third focused on keeping secret government documents at his Florida estate.
It is also a significant constitutional ruling for the US.
27 June – First head-to-head with Biden
The initial debate between Trump and his rival Joe Biden in this year’s election campaign is scheduled at CNN’s Atlanta studios.
For the first time, this debate will be without an audience after concerns raised by the Biden team about disruptions.
The two men clashed in debates during the 2020 campaign. Pic: Reuters
Millions of viewers are expected to watch, and Trump is likely to address his conviction and legal troubles.
The progress of the three criminal cases is slow as Trump tries to postpone them until after the election, with no trial dates currently set and expected to begin after November.
11 July – Trump sentenced for hush money case
Although a prison sentence of up to four years is possible, it is anticipated that Trump will avoid jail time due to the minor nature of his conviction and lack of a previous criminal record.
Trump’s sentence over the Stormy Daniels hush money case will be handed down in July. Pic: AP
A fine or probation is a more likely outcome.
The sentencing is expected to take place in the same Manhattan court where the trial occurred.
15-18 July – Republicans confirm Trump as nominee
The Republican Party’s national convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will formally confirm Trump as their presidential candidate.
The national convention will again rubberstamp Trump as Republican nominee. Pic: Reuters
It is expected that Trump will secure the nomination after winning delegates in state primary elections earlier this year.
The vice-presidential nominee remains uncertain at this time.
10 September – Trump v Biden round two
Trump will face Biden in a second debate hosted by ABC News as the election campaign intensifies with less than two months to go.
The location and audience details for this debate are yet to be confirmed.
16 September – Third potential head-to-head with Biden
The candidates could have another debate as part of three events planned by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Joe Biden is bidding to hold on to the presidency. Pic: Reuters
Their participation in this event is uncertain as both candidates have raised concerns about the timing affecting early voting in some states.
5 November – US voters head to the polls to elect their president.
It remains to be seen how Donald Trump’s conviction will impact his chances in the election.
While his claims of a political conspiracy may rally supporters, polls suggest it will not sit well with independent voters.
