**Trump’s Election Victory Could Stall Prosecutions Amid Immunity Debate**

Donald Trump's triumph in the recent presidential election presents more than just a political victory—it might offer a crucial shield against ongoing criminal investigations. The president-elect has been under the shadow of four major court cases over the past year: two tied to his alleged interference in the 2020 election, one concerning the mishandling of classified documents, and another related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Federal officials lost no time in exploring options to halt two of these cases, which include allegations of election interference and the improper retention of sensitive documents. This move aligns with a longstanding Justice Department policy, dating back to 1973 and renewed in 2000, which states that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted or imprisoned while in office. Further strengthening Trump's position, the Supreme Court's recent ruling asserts that presidents have "absolute immunity" from prosecution for official acts, as well as presumptive immunity for broader crimes if a connection to their official duties can be established.

Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought federal charges against Trump, is poised to discontinue these cases to avoid a confrontation with the incoming president, who has openly indicated plans to dismiss him swiftly upon assuming office. However, lawyer James Trusty, representing Trump, suggested the Justice Department may prefer to leave the cases for the new administration to dismiss, thereby shifting the political burden.

Nonetheless, Trump’s legal challenges are diverse and complex. One major federal case accuses him of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, leading to the violent January 6 Capitol attack. Another case involves the alleged hoarding of top-secret documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Despite these serious allegations, the involvement of legal technicalities and the Supreme Court's ruling have muddied the waters of accountability.

Trump's legal troubles also extend into state jurisdictions. In New York, he was convicted in May of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, a case which could theoretically result in a four-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, in Georgia, he faces charges led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, accusing him and co-defendants of a racketeering effort to overturn the 2020 election results. However, several legal maneuvers and internal controversies have cast doubt on the progress of these cases.

In summary, while Trump's recent electoral success provides a potential reprieve from his extensive legal woes, the long-term implications of his immunity are still uncertain. The nation's legal and political landscapes remain poised for further developments as Trump's second stint in the White House unfolds.