To help you understand what is going on leading up to the 2024 presidential election and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly-experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest...
The timeline for Donald Trump’s federal legal battles is getting clearer. One trial, related to possession of classified materials, has a start date of May 20, despite Trump’s demands for a delay until after the 2024 election. Another, concerning allegations of election interference, will have one soon. Special Prosecutor Jack Smith, who is also handling the classified docs case, has requested a Jan. 2 start date and requires 4-6 weeks to present evidence.
This will inevitably distract Trump from running in the GOP primary. The Republican Iowa caucus is set for Jan. 15, and at least 40 states will hold their primary contests before Trump’s second federal trial begins.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But even a conviction may not stop Trump from winning the nomination. So far, his legal woes have only strengthened his position as the GOP front-runner. Nor would it necessarily bar him from winning and serving as president. Whether a president can serve from prison remains an untested legal question.
It’s also possible the various legal cases won’t result in a conviction, bolstering Trump’s claims of being unfairly targeted by the federal justice system. Note that Trump also faces charges from prosecutors in New York and Georgia.
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
Related Stories
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund next year, a smaller one, or something in between. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
Your 401(k) is Changing: Trump Moves to Open the Door to Private Assets, CryptocurrencySix months into President Trump’s second term, and 401(k) savers are getting ready to have more ways to diversify their retirement savings accounts.
-
Breaking China's Stranglehold on Rare Earth ElementsThe Letter China is using its near-monopoly on critical minerals to win trade concessions. Can the U.S. find alternate supplies?
-
Ask the Editor, May 30: Questions on the One Big Beautiful BillAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the House-passed “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
-
Will State Laws Hurt AI’s Future?The Kiplinger Letter Republicans in Congress are considering a moratorium on state AI laws. But it’s likely a growing patchwork of state AI regulations will be here for a while.
-
AI Goes To SchoolThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
The IRS is in ChaosThe Tax Letter DOGE, departures, data agreements and more are creating havoc at the IRS.
-
Trump's Second 100 DaysThe Kiplinger Letter President Trump's agenda faces legal and legislative roadblocks.
-
The Economic Impact of the US-China Trade War
The Letter The US-China trade war will impact US consumers and business. The decoupling process could be messy.
-
Trump Dials Back Most Tariffs but Targets ChinaThe Kiplinger Letter Wall Street hopes that higher tariffs on most countries are on hold for good. But the trade war between the U.S. and China is heating up.
