The former president’s legal woes will lead to a surge in support for him.
Donald Trump is set to turn himself in to the Manhattan district attorney’s office tomorrow. The former president will face arrest, have his mugshot and fingerprints taken, and it is uncertain whether he will be handcuffed when he enters the criminal court. The charges against him, which remain sealed, are believed to be related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Once the charges are formally read out, assuming no bail is set, a timetable for the next steps in the case will be established, and Trump is expected to be released later that day.
While this indictment represents a major legal challenge for Trump, it is unlikely to have the negative political impact that some might expect. In fact, his legal woes could prove to be a boon for his campaign. Trump’s base has long viewed him as a victim of political persecution, and this new legal battle is expected to further galvanize his supporters.
If anything, his indictment may help him solidify his position as the front-runner for the Republican nomination. Many of his followers see the case against him as an example of the deep state’s attempts to sabotage his political career, making them more loyal and motivated to vote for him. This dynamic mirrors past political moments in which scandal and controversy only served to strengthen Trump’s appeal with his base.
His opponents in the Republican field may struggle to capitalize on this situation. The more Trump is targeted, the more he can portray himself as the only candidate who is truly fighting for the people against a corrupt political system. As a result, his legal challenges could end up driving his popularity even higher within the GOP, rather than diminishing it.