Immunity or accountability? Trump’s presidency to test constitutional boundaries

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential race has not only returned him to the White House but also shielded him from several ongoing criminal cases. The former president faces over 90 criminal charges, including accusations of financial crimes and conspiracy to rig the 2020 election.

Despite these legal troubles, the U.S. Constitution does not bar a convicted individual from holding the presidency. Trump will become the first president in U.S. history with pending charges as he takes the oath of office on January 20, 2025.

A Georgia judge has delayed a key hearing in Trump’s election conspiracy case. Legal experts believe his status as president-elect may grant him immunity, pushing proceedings to the end of his term in 2029. The Justice Department memo supports that a sitting president cannot be imprisoned, citing the risk to executive functions.

Trump, known for his combative persona, has vowed to retaliate against political adversaries. His campaign featured threats of legal action against figures like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton. The possibility of a "self-pardon" also looms, potentially setting an unparalleled legal precedent.

Reports suggest Trump’s administration plans to implement "Project 2025," which aims to restructure federal agencies, removing officials seen as opposing his agenda. Critics, including human rights groups, fear this could erode democratic checks and balances.

While Trump’s victory underscores his enduring support base, it has intensified debates about the limits of presidential immunity and the rule of law in the United States. How the courts navigate these uncharted waters will likely define Trump’s second term and its impact on American democracy.