Many allies of Donald J. Trump had secretly wanted an acquittal, which they predicted would have turbocharged fund-raising and fed their claims of a rigged justice system.
But despite the partisan roar, two juries appeared to seriously weigh the evidence and deliver verdicts. The system seemed to work as it is supposed to.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., once close allies, have embraced starkly different conceptions of the judicial role.
The president, who is in the middle of a re-election fight, has grown more resigned and afraid about what the future might hold for his son, according to people close to them.
In a conversation with a woman posing as a conservative supporter, Martha-Ann Alito appeared to push back against having to look at a symbol of L.G.B.T.Q. rights.
Judge Aileen Cannon threw out one basis for the case against the former president, involving a highly sensitive military map he showed an aide after leaving office.
The steps under consideration include protecting them from deportation and providing access to work permits, according to three officials with knowledge of the discussions.