Progressives should oppose biased legal actions and continuous prosecution of the former president.
Following Donald Trump’s hush-money conviction in Manhattan on 30 May, the French commentator Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry questioned whether anyone on the left was willing to criticize the “nakedly partisan prosecutions” targeting political opponents, calling it contrary to the principles of liberal democracy, the rule of law, and justice. His comment, shared on X, reflects concerns that relentless legal action against Trump could erode foundational democratic values, even as his critics celebrate his legal troubles.
Interestingly, some progressives have indeed voiced discomfort with the use of the legal system as a tool against political rivals. Figures like law professor Samuel Moyn, civil liberties advocate Glenn Greenwald, economist Christian Parenti, and contributors to the leftist Sublation magazine argue that democracy functions best when disputes are settled at the ballot box rather than through court proceedings or FBI inquiries. These voices warn that relying on lawfare risks undermining the core ideals the left traditionally upholds.
The repeated legal actions against Trump, including various investigations and indictments, raise questions about the implications for the U.S. justice system. For some progressives, the issue is not about supporting Trump but about defending a fair legal process that doesn’t appear driven by political motives. They caution that prioritizing prosecutions over policy debate could backfire, shifting public sympathy toward Trump and damaging the credibility of the legal institutions involved.
Furthermore, critics fear that using the courts to handle political conflicts sets a dangerous precedent. In the future, other political leaders might face similar tactics, creating an environment where political opponents weaponize the judiciary against one another, diminishing public trust in the system as an impartial entity.
Progressive voices concerned about this trend argue that focusing on Trump’s policies and his impact on American governance would be more effective than pursuing constant legal challenges. They contend that an over-reliance on legal action is an unwise approach that could detract from addressing the pressing issues facing the country and sway public opinion against the Democratic cause.
Ultimately, the debate around lawfare underscores a broader question about the balance between legal accountability and political strategy. As Democrats continue pursuing cases against Trump, these dissenting voices on the left serve as a reminder that fairness in the legal system should not be compromised by political goals.
