Trump's court cases overshadowing Iowa caucuses
The Iowa caucuses are tomorrow. But this year, the presidential campaign trail runs through courthouses.
- Trump's legal and political calendars collide less than a week before Iowa caucuses
In Washington this past week, attorneys for former President Donald Trump argued in federal court that an ex-president should be immune from prosecution – arguments that seemed to get little love from the judges.
- Federal judges appear skeptical of Trump's immunity claim
On Tuesday Trump told reporters, "I feel that as a president, you have to have immunity. Very simple."
A ruling could come in days – though it could be appealed to the Supreme Court.
- Most don't think Trump should get presidential immunity — CBS News poll
Hinging on that decision is the Justice Department's case against Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
- Former President Trump's lawyers ask to throw out election meddling charges
Also on the docket: a federal trial for mishandling classified records; Georgia state charges of state election interference; and in New York, a defamation suit.
- Documents from binder with intelligence on Russian election interference went missing at end of Trump's term
Plus, trials over hush money payments to a porn star, as well as real estate fraud.
- Trump makes closing argument on final day of New York fraud trial, disregarding judge's restrictions
- Trump should be barred from New York real estate industry, fined $370 million, New York Attorney General Letitia James says
On Thursday Trump was asked, "What percentage of your time these days is spent on your campaign? What percentage is spent on your legal issues?"
"Well, see my legal issues, every one of them, every one, civil and the criminal ones, are all set up by Joe Biden, crooked Joe Biden," Trump replied. "They're doing it for election interference. And in a way, I guess you'd consider it part of the campaign."
Trump blaming his legal woes on conspiracy theories is just further evidence that they are more than a sideshow; they are a reckoning about what a Trump return to the White House would say about the country.
- Liz Cheney tells "CBS News Sunday Morning" that the U.S. is "sleepwalking into a dictatorship"
- Liz Cheney on why she believes Trump's reelection would mean the end of our republic ("Sunday Morning")
- Sen. Joe Manchin: Donald Trump "will destroy" U.S. democracy if he wins 2nd term as president
- Bolton says Trump's 2024 campaign is "poison" for GOP and will "continue to go downhill"
- Trump claims grounds for "termination" of U.S. Constitution ("CBS Mornings")
- Trump, GOP embracing potential Jan. 6 pardons
While Iowans caucus tomorrow, the nation will also pay respects to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther KingJ Jr. Yet, Trump's incendiary rhetoric on race, immigration, and on political revenge has only helped cement his lead in polls with Republicans.
As Iowa plunges into arctic weather, Florida Governor Ron Desantis hopes to dent Trump's lead, while also battling former Trump ambassador Nikki Haley.
- After Iowa caucuses, DeSantis to go to South Carolina first in a jab at Haley
Haley has her sights set on New Hampshire later this month, hoping to benefit from Chris Christie's departure from the race.
Trump allies tell me that New York County Court Courthouse in Lower Manhattan, where his businesses have been in the spotlight in a civil fraud trial, is now his center of the political universe – a place this candidate believes fuels his grievances, and those of his supporters.
And all of these court appearances underscore the stakes – for Trump, and for the nation.
- Monday's Iowa caucuses will be Republicans' first contest of the 2024 election. Here's what to know
Story produced by Ed Forgotson. Editor: Chad Cardin.
- In:
- Iowa Caucuses
- Donald Trump
- Republican Party
- Ron DeSantis
- Nikki Haley
Robert Costa is CBS News' chief election and campaign correspondent based in Washington, D.C.
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