Donald Trump was U.S. President from 2017-2021 and 2025-present. He faced claims of breaking laws in first term, uncharged while in office due to protections. Trump denies guilt. Below: first-term allegations with outcomes as of Jan 2026, plus recent findings and new alleged unconstitutional actions in second term.
The Overview:
1. Blocking Justice (Russia Probe)
Accused of interfering with FBI Russia probe; 2019 report listed 10 instances.
Outcome: No charges; Barr cleared in 2019.
Fixes: Closed without trial.
Fox/NewsMax: Called "hoax."
Recent: No updates.
2. Emoluments Clause Violations
Alleged foreign profits via businesses without Congress OK.
Outcome: Lawsuits dismissed on standing.
Fixes: Cases dropped; no reversals.
Fox/NewsMax: Minimal coverage.
Recent: No updates.
3. Election Money Rules (Hush Payments)
Directed payments to silence women, falsifying records.
Outcome: 2024 conviction on 34 felonies; sentencing halted post-2024 win.
Fixes: Appeals ongoing for jury/evidence errors; DOJ halts for sitting president.
Fox/NewsMax: "Hoax," predict reversal.
Recent: No new findings; paused.
4. Misusing Power (Ukraine)
Impeached for withholding Ukraine aid to probe Biden.
Outcome: House impeached; Senate acquitted 2020.
Fixes: Acquittal final.
Fox/NewsMax: Democrat overreach.
Recent: No updates.
5. 2020 Election Interference (Jan. 6/Georgia)
Tried overturning results; pressured officials; incited Capitol attack.
Outcome: 2023 federal indictments dropped post-2024 election per DOJ policy. Georgia racketeering ongoing. SCOTUS limited immunity 2024, revised charges.
Fixes: SCOTUS corrected immunity errors; federal cases abandoned; Georgia appeals pending.
Fox/NewsMax: "Weaponization"; aired fraud claims (led to settlements: Fox $787M, NewsMax $67M).
Recent: Federal appeal abandoned Jan 2026; Georgia stalled amid presidency.
6. Classified Documents Mishandling
Retained secrets post-office; resisted return.
Outcome: 2023 indictment; dismissed 2024; appeal dropped post-election.
Fixes: Dismissal for special counsel errors.
Fox/NewsMax: Overreach like Biden's.
Recent: No revival; closed.
Recent Alleged Unconstitutional Actions (Second Term, 2025-2026)
-Jan 20, 2025 EO 14160 "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship": Directs agencies to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children if parents are not citizens/permanent residents or if mother is undocumented/temporary visa holder. Interprets 14th Amendment's "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" to exclude them, claiming it restores original intent. Alleged violation of 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. ACLU, NAACP LDF, Asian Law Caucus sued immediately; federal courts blocked enforcement, requiring recognition of all U.S.-born citizenship. SCOTUS announced oral arguments Aug 2025; Trump urged court to end birthright citizenship Sep 2025; case ongoing, with lower courts ruling EO unconstitutional.
14th Amendment Implications: Overturns longstanding interpretations since 1898 Wong Kim Ark ruling, creating self-perpetuating underclass excluded from society for generations. Limits children's potential, opportunities; increases government intrusion (e.g., proof at birth); bureaucratic hurdles for all Americans claiming rights; economic costs to taxpayers; health/social consequences like delayed prenatal care, withdrawal from programs due to fear; could affect millions, deepening inequality.
Public Sentiment on Birthright Citizenship EO: Polls show mixed views: 50% support birthright for children of illegal immigrants, 49% oppose; majority (56%) disapprove EO, 43% approve; less than 1/3 want to end birthright; overall support for keeping citizenship guarantee amid resistance to Trump's order.
-Jan 12, 2026 DOE cancels clean energy funding in select states: Court rules unconstitutional, violates spending laws.
-EO overriding immigration laws: Alleged overreach; lawsuits claim constitutional breaches.
-Illegal grant terminations/spending freezes: Judges/GAO find unlawful by Aug 2025; ongoing challenges.
-Tariffs case (e.g., under IEEPA): SCOTUS heard arguments Oct 2025 on Trump's broad/global tariffs (e.g., 10-25% on imports for national security/economic emergencies). Pending decision as of Jan 2026 (no ruling yet, 3 months post-arguments; expected soon). Analysis: Challenges executive authority under IEEPA/Trade Expansion Act; lower courts ruled president lacks tariff power without Congress, but SCOTUS may uphold broad powers (conservative tilt favors Trump).
SCOTUS Tariff Implications: If struck down, massive refunds ($ billions to importers), reduce presidential overreach, stabilize trade policy, lower consumer prices, ease supply chain uncertainty; impacts industries like steel, gold market (volatility reduction). If upheld, expands executive tariff powers, enables unilateral trade wars, higher prices/inflation, business uncertainty (pricing, taxes, regulations); profound shift in power balance from Congress, affecting future administrations, economy broadly.
-Attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook: SCOTUS heard Jan 21, 2026; questions independence.
-Minnesota ICE actions: Alleged violations of amendments via arrests/pepper spraying observers.
Public Sentiment on ICE and DHS Operations: Majority disapprove aggressive tactics: 58% disapprove Trump's immigration handling; 53-55% say ICE too far/tough; 55% very little confidence in ICE; 42% favor abolishing ICE; split on deportations but overall negative, with low approval (24-39%) for performance.
Overall Economic Accomplishments by President Trump
In second term (2025-2026): GDP growth 4.3-4.5% in Q3 2025; inflation cooled to 2.7% from 2.9%; exports risen; tariffs cut imports, raised revenue; job creation accelerated; consumer confidence rebounded. Mixed: Modest overall growth ~2%; weak job growth (mainly healthcare); unemployment up to 4.6%. First term: 7M jobs, middle-class income +$6K.
Debates on limits continue; many old cases halted, new ones emerge. Trump calls probes political.