Why Trump Cannot Give Up the Presidency?

A Total of 12 Lawsuits Including Civil Cases Underway
Felt Defeat in 2016, Even Prepared to Leave the US

U.S. President Donald Trump is seen giving two thumbs up to his supporters as he leaves after playing golf at the 'Trump National Golf Club' in Sterling, Virginia, on the 8th (local time). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] There is a prospect that U.S. President Donald Trump may never concede the election results. This is because, once his term ends and he loses immunity, it will be difficult for him to handle about 12 lawsuits and debt collections.

The U.S. media outlet 'The New Yorker' published an article titled "Why Trump Cannot Handle Defeat" on November 1 (local time), before the presidential election, explaining why Trump might refuse to accept the election results. It stated, "The president survived impeachment, 26 sexual assault allegations, and an estimated 4,000 lawsuits," but added, "If he loses the election, that luck might run out. Perhaps very cruelly."

According to the outlet, a total of 12 lawsuits are ongoing against President Trump, including two criminal cases currently being investigated separately by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office in New York State, as well as several civil lawsuits.

Additionally, with the end of the election, the repayment period for President Trump's personal real estate-backed loans is approaching. It is reported that unless he sells some of his assets, it will be difficult for him to repay the debts.

The problem lies in the fact that once the U.S. presidential term ends, the immunity guaranteed to the president also disappears. So far, Trump's legal team has ignored subpoenas from district and state courts demanding the submission of income tax returns, but this will no longer be possible. Moreover, ongoing criminal investigations by prosecutors could also hinder him.

Regarding this, Yale University professor Timothy Snyder explained in an interview with The New Yorker, "The presidency is what saves the president from prison and poverty."

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden won the presidential election on November 3, according to local time on the 7th. / Photo by Yonhap News

In fact, it is reported that President Trump had planned to leave the U.S. anticipating defeat in the 2016 presidential election.

According to former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, Trump had his private jet waiting at John F. Kennedy International Airport at the time. This was to immediately leave for Scotland, UK, once his election defeat was confirmed.

Regarding this, former Communications Director Scaramucci explained, "It was as if he (President Trump) acted like he ran the election just to gain fame," adding, "He wasted money and time, but it was okay."

Meanwhile, according to local media reports such as CNN on the 8th, Melania Trump, President Trump's wife, has reportedly joined the internal chorus advising her husband to 'accept the election defeat.'

CNN cited internal sources saying, "There is growing opinion among key aides advising that the time has come for President Trump to concede," and "Melania has also joined this."

Earlier, on the 7th, after reports emerged that U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden had won, President Trump issued a statement expressing his refusal to concede, saying, "This election is far from over."

He also indirectly expressed distrust in the election results by retweeting posts on social networking services (SNS) raising suspicions of election fraud in this U.S. presidential election.