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Trump Promises to 'Drop' NY Case If Elected

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 2:14 GMT by The Messenger
      Locales: New York, New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Columbia, South Carolina - February 9th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump reiterated a bold promise during a rally in South Carolina this past Saturday: to halt the New York hush money case against him should he win the 2024 presidential election. This declaration, while not legally straightforward, represents a significant escalation of Trump's ongoing narrative of political persecution and a key element of his campaign strategy.

Speaking to supporters in Columbia, Trump stated, "If I win, I'm going to drop the whole thing. I'll drop it. It's so unfair." He characterized the case as a "political witch hunt" and a deliberate attempt to derail his presidential bid. While seemingly simple, the implications of such a statement are far-reaching and raise complex questions about the separation of powers, presidential authority, and the justice system.

The case centers around alleged payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors argue these payments constituted violations of campaign finance laws, specifically that they were improperly recorded as legal expenses to conceal their true purpose - influencing the election. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, framing the allegations as a baseless attack orchestrated by political opponents.

Currently, Trump has been indicted in New York on multiple charges related to these payments and is scheduled to stand trial in April. He has entered a plea of not guilty. Legal experts are largely skeptical that a president could simply "drop" a state-level criminal case. While a president possesses the power to pardon individuals convicted of federal crimes, this power does not extend to state charges. Furthermore, even if a pardon were attempted post-conviction, it wouldn't erase the underlying facts or prevent future legal action.

Legal Analysis: Can a President Halt a State Case?

The question of whether a president can intervene in a state criminal case is a matter of legal debate with no clear precedent. While the president has significant power regarding the federal justice system--appointing officials, issuing pardons, and influencing federal investigations--the states retain sovereignty over their own criminal justice systems. A president could, theoretically, attempt to use federal resources to pressure state prosecutors or officials, but such actions would likely face immediate legal challenges on grounds of federal overreach and obstruction of justice.

Some legal scholars suggest Trump's statement could be interpreted as a veiled threat of using the Department of Justice to investigate or harass state officials involved in the case if he were re-elected. Others believe he might attempt to leverage federal funding or other forms of coercion to influence the outcome. Any such attempts would undoubtedly trigger a constitutional crisis and likely lead to numerous lawsuits.

Political Implications: Reinforcing the 'Persecuted' Narrative

Beyond the legal hurdles, Trump's declaration serves a clear political purpose. By portraying himself as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt," Trump aims to galvanize his base and further solidify the narrative of a corrupt establishment conspiring against him. This strategy has proven effective in the past, allowing him to deflect criticism and rally support from voters who feel disenfranchised.

The timing of this announcement is also significant. As Trump's legal battles become increasingly central to his campaign, he's effectively turning these challenges into a fundraising tool and a rallying cry for his supporters. Donations have reportedly surged following the rally, and social media engagement surrounding the case has intensified.

Broader Legal Landscape and Future Challenges

The hush money case is just one of several legal challenges facing the former president. He also faces investigations related to his business dealings and his actions surrounding the 2020 election, including the January 6th insurrection. The outcome of these cases, combined with the potential for further legal action, could significantly impact his ability to run for and serve as president.

Looking ahead, the legal and political battles surrounding Donald Trump are likely to continue intensifying. The question isn't just whether he can legally "drop" the hush money case, but whether his efforts to portray himself as a persecuted figure will resonate with voters and ultimately determine the outcome of the 2024 election. The implications for American democracy and the rule of law are substantial and will be closely watched in the coming months.