****

In a shocking turn of events, Donald Trump's reelection has unveiled what many are calling the most significant failure of federal law enforcement in U.S. history. His ability to sidestep four criminal cases, including the notable Justice Department's prosecution over his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, showcases a series of legal missteps and political decisions that favored his return to office.

The Biden administration and Attorney General Merrick Garland have faced serious criticism for their handling of the cases against Trump. Legal analysts argue that from the beginning of his presidency, Biden’s choice of Garland was questionable. Reports indicate that the Jan. 6 committee's investigation in 2022 was the primary catalyst forcing Garland to take action - almost two years after the Capitol riot. Critics argue that the investigation into Trump’s post-2020 conduct should have been an immediate priority for the Justice Department, yet by late 2021, it was apparent no significant probe was underway.

The federal criminal cases against Trump have essentially petered out. Special counsel Jack Smith is expected to resign and dismiss pending cases, a move anticipated since Trump vowed to fire him upon reelection. The Georgia case concerning alleged post-2020 legal accountability is expected to remain dormant and may eventually be dropped. Similarly, in Manhattan, Trump’s conviction in the Stormy Daniels hush money case appears unlikely to lead to incarceration as long as he serves as President.

Polls have consistently shown that a majority of the public favored concluding these criminal cases, particularly the federal election subversion case. Despite this, Trump managed a remarkable political recovery, primarily due to widespread dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration. Voters seemed willing to overlook Trump’s alleged misconduct in favor of a change in leadership.

Republicans played a crucial role in Trump's resurgence. In 2021, Senate Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, opted not to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial, allowing him to remain a political contender. During the 2024 primaries, Trump’s adversaries like Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy astonishingly backed his legal defenses, which bolstered his standing among Republican voters. The Supreme Court's involvement further complicated matters, with Republican-appointed justices essentially blocking a trial before Election Day by devising a new doctrine of criminal immunity for Trump.

This intricate web of legal and political decisions has culminated in Trump's unexpected reelection, marking a historic reversal of fortunes. The responsibility lies with multiple actors from both political factions, underscoring a deep divide in American governance and jurisprudence.