The term ‘historic development’ has had to endure inflation: this is the third criminal case against former president Donald Trump since April of this year (and the third time that a former president has been prosecuted). Yet this case is special. In the first place because Trump is being accused for the first time of crimes he allegedly committed during his presidency.
The two previously filed criminal cases revolve around hush money payments to a porn actress and the handling of confidential documents. This time it’s about charges that go to the heart of American democracy. Can a president abuse his power with impunity in an attempt to sway an election result?
Special counsel Jack Smith will have to prove that Trump knew his allegations of voter fraud were unfounded. Trump’s lawyers, in turn, will argue that the former president had genuine suspicions of cheating and was simply exploring his political and legal options.
It is impossible to predict what effect this criminal case, the other two cases and possible other prosecutions will have on next year’s presidential election. This is virgin territory in American politics.
It is clear, however, that the criminal cases against Trump have so far strengthened his position within the Republican Party.
2023-08-02 09:17:04
#Republicans #Democrats #react #expected #impeachment #Trump
