Some senators indicated Trump now faces long odds of winning, while others sidestepped questions about Tuesday’s verdict finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Following the civil court verdict on Tuesday, which found Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the E. Jean Carroll case, several Republican senators expressed concerns over the former president’s 2024 election chances. Some indicated that the ruling could significantly hinder Trump’s path to victory, while others chose to avoid directly addressing the case’s potential impact on his political future.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas said that Trump’s ability to win the presidency seemed unlikely. “The fact is, I do not think he could win the presidency,” Cornyn stated, emphasizing that electability should be the “sole criterion” in evaluating candidates for the upcoming election. His remarks reflect growing concerns within the Republican Party about Trump’s ability to garner widespread support following the legal challenges he faces.
Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota also voiced his reservations, admitting that he would find it difficult to support a candidate found liable for such serious charges. “You never liked to hear that a former president has been found — in a civil court — guilty of those types of actions,” Rounds remarked, adding that the party needed to focus on finding a leader who could unite the GOP moving forward.
Similarly, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana acknowledged the seriousness of the verdict, stressing that the ruling would naturally cause concern. “He’s been found to be civilly liable. How could it do anything else but create concern?” Cassidy said, underscoring the potential implications for Trump’s political prospects.
While some GOP senators are openly questioning Trump’s electability in light of the verdict, others sidestepped the issue or declined to comment in detail. However, the verdict represents a significant development in Trump’s ongoing legal battles, which have already raised questions about his viability as the Republican candidate in 2024. The political fallout from this case may continue to unfold as the election cycle progresses, potentially influencing both the Republican primaries and the broader national race.
