Donald Trump faces the possibility of becoming the first former president to go on criminal trial, with his last-ditch efforts to delay the process failing. This impending trial is just one of four criminal cases that Trump is facing, related to payments to an adult film actress before the 2016 election. Despite pleading not guilty in all cases against him, Trump’s legal options are narrowing, and his attacks on the justice system and claims of political persecution are becoming more extreme. He has criticized the judge in the New York case and made wild claims on social media platforms.
As the New York trial approaches, the unusual political context has come to light with the jury questionnaire being released. Jurors will be asked about their political leanings, news sources and whether they have been involved in extremist groups. While the case is not about the legality of the payment to Stormy Daniels, prosecutors will focus on the ex-president’s alleged falsification of records to mislead voters. Trump’s attempts to delay trials through legal challenges have been noted, but with the New York trial set to begin soon, the chances of further delays are diminishing.
In another case related to election interference, special counsel Jack Smith is pushing back against Trump’s claims of presidential immunity. Smith argues that no person, including the president, is above the law, disputing Trump’s assertion that former presidents should be immune from prosecution. Trump’s attempts to stall his ongoing legal challenges are evident in Florida and Georgia, where judges have been accused of slow-rolling the proceedings. His lawyers are attempting to frame his actions as protected free speech to prevent the case from moving forward.
The decision in the New York case has denied Trump’s claim that he cannot receive a fair trial in the city of Manhattan due to its liberal leanings. Trump’s strategy of questioning the fairness of the legal process in various jurisdictions has been noted, with prosecutors typically bringing charges where the offense occurred. Trump’s previous success in galvanizing his base by presenting himself as a victim of politicized justice during his campaign raises questions about how his ongoing legal challenges will impact his public image. The impact of a former president on trial on the general electorate remains to be seen and could sway public opinion, especially if Trump is found guilty in any of the cases against him.
