The legal proceedings involving former President Donald Trump have led to significant expenses, with special counsel Jack Smith's office spending $35.7 million across two high-profile prosecutions.

These matters spearheaded by Smith, which began in 2022, center around allegations of mishandling classified documents and interference in the 2020 election, and as Trump has continued to assert that these charges are politically motivated, critics of the prosecution have highlighted the massive expenditures the cases have required, as the Center Square reports.

The two federal prosecutions have resulted in three grand jury indictments, with both sides locked in complex legal battles and appeals.

Smith’s office has been responsible for overseeing these cases since U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed him in November 2022.

The legal costs include $19.4 million in direct expenses, primarily for staff salaries, while another $16.3 million covered investigative support and unreimbursed component costs.

Smith Secures Three Indictments Against Trump

Over the course of these investigations, Smith has secured three grand jury indictments against Trump. The first indictment, in Florida, involves 40 felony counts related to Trump's handling of sensitive military documents. The other two cases, based in Washington D.C., focus on Trump's alleged interference in the 2020 election results.

Trump’s defense team recently filed a plea of not guilty in response to the latest election-related charges in Washington. Despite the legal pressures, Trump has publicly claimed that these prosecutions are the work of political enemies attempting to derail his 2024 presidential campaign.

Judge Dismisses Key Case on Classified Documents

A significant development occurred in July when Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case. The dismissal stemmed from Smith’s appointment as special counsel, which the judge ruled violated the Constitution. Smith’s office has since filed an appeal to overturn this ruling.

This legal decision came after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the same month, stating that U.S. presidents have "absolute immunity" when conducting official acts. The Court also granted "presumptive immunity" in other matters but clarified that no immunity applies to actions outside of official duties.

Supreme Court Ruling Adds Complexity to Legal Battle

The Supreme Court ruling has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle between Trump and Smith’s team. The disagreement between Trump’s legal defense and Smith’s prosecution revolves around how this immunity applies in light of the election interference allegations.

Trump's defense team argues that the immunity should shield him from prosecution related to his actions as president. Meanwhile, Smith’s office maintains that the charges stem from unofficial conduct, which falls outside the protections granted by the Supreme Court ruling.

Trump's Legal Costs Mount as Election Approaches

As Trump continues to fight these legal battles, his defense efforts have proven costly. The former president has reportedly spent $15 million on legal fees related to the classified documents case alone.

This figure further highlights the financial toll that the ongoing prosecutions are having on both Trump and the federal government.

Trump has consistently argued that the federal criminal cases are a political maneuver to prevent him from winning the 2024 presidential election. He faces current Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election on Nov. 5.

Legal Tensions Rise as Election Nears

The legal tensions between Trump and Smith’s office continue to rise as the 2024 election draws closer. Both sides are preparing for what could be a prolonged legal struggle, especially given the ongoing appeals and disagreements regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity.

The financial burden of these legal battles, coupled with the political stakes, has placed Trump in a unique position. As he fights for a potential return to the White House, the shadow of these prosecutions looms large over his campaign.

Conclusion

In summary, Special Counsel Jack Smith's office has spent $35.7 million on two federal prosecutions of Donald Trump, stemming from allegations of classified document mishandling and election interference.

Trump’s defense team has contested these charges, citing political motivations and presidential immunity. As the 2024 election approaches, the legal and financial stakes continue to rise for both sides.