District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s victory in prosecuting former President Donald Trump on all 34 counts in his hush-money case could potentially backfire on Special Counsel Jack Smith’s attempts to find the 45th president guilty of 44 more charges that were presented in federal courts in the districts of Florida and Washington, D.C.
After a season of legal stalemate, the first guilty decision against an American president may boost Mr. Smith’s confidence, but there are also some possible risks for the prosecutor. The conviction may cause judges and justices to consider the precedent set by presidential prosecution.
The New York County ruling coincides with the US Supreme Court deliberating Trump’s argument that presidents should have perpetual “absolute” immunity for their actions in their official capacities. According to the special counsel, no such protection or illegal activity, such as plotting to rig the election, is always criminally prosecutable.
