Trump, Prosecuted for the Third Time, to Appear in Court Again Tomorrow... "Thankful for the Warm Support"

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been additionally indicted on charges including attempting to overturn the presidential election results, will appear in a Washington DC court on the 3rd (local time). This marks the third time this year alone. After previously benefiting from a rallying effect among conservatives immediately following two criminal indictments, Trump has shown composure by expressing gratitude to his supporters the day after the indictment.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 2nd, Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "I have never received such overwhelming support before," and "Thank you to everyone." He claimed, "The unprecedented indictment of a very successful former president and the leading candidate for the next Republican presidential primary and general election has reminded the world of the corruption and failures that have occurred in the United States over the past three years." He also added, "America is declining, but we will make America great again, and even greater than before. I love you all."

The previous day, a U.S. federal grand jury indicted Trump on four charges including conspiracy to commit fraud, defrauding the nation, and spreading election fraud, alleging that after losing the 2020 presidential election, he falsely incited his supporters to storm the Capitol on January 6. These charges carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Special Counsel Jack Smith stated in the indictment, "The defendant (former President Trump), despite losing the election, resolved to maintain power and repeatedly spread lies about election fraud, knowing they were false," and "He heightened an atmosphere of extreme national distrust and anger and undermined public confidence in election administration."

Trump is scheduled to appear at the Washington Federal Court the following afternoon. As with his previous appearances at the New York District Court and Miami Federal Court, he is expected to plead not guilty. As a courtesy to a former president, procedures such as taking a mugshot (a photograph recording the appearance of a criminal) are reportedly being omitted this time as well. Bloomberg News reported, "Because he is a highly recognizable figure, no photographs will be taken," but added, "He will have his fingerprints digitally recorded and must provide personal information such as Social Security number, date of birth, and address."

With this, former President Trump has been indicted for the third time, following the New York prosecution related to hush money for sexual misconduct and the federal indictment concerning classified document leaks. Alongside this, the special counsel also indicted six anonymous individuals who conspired with Trump to overturn the election results. CNN reported that among them appears to be Rudy Giuliani, former New York mayor and Trump’s former attorney. Jeffrey Clark, a former Department of Justice official who appeared before the grand jury the previous day, was also mentioned as a possible co-conspirator.

The previous two indictments instead acted as a boon for Trump by consolidating conservative votes. This indictment is also expected to have a similar effect of rallying his support base. In a recent poll, Trump’s approval rating as a Republican presidential candidate overwhelmingly surpasses competitors such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy claimed that this indictment is an attempt by President Joe Biden to divert attention from allegations related to Hunter Biden and to attack the leading candidate for the next presidential election.

CNN cited experts on the day, reporting that even if Trump is convicted, he could still succeed in the 2024 re-election and serve as president. Richard Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, explained, "The Constitution does not prohibit someone who is indicted, convicted, or even incarcerated from running for president and becoming president." The Washington Post (WP) also stated, "Increasing legal troubles will not prevent his presidential run," and "A conviction does not disqualify him from running."

However, analyses also suggest that the ongoing legal risks surrounding Trump will inevitably have a negative impact on his presidential campaign. The Georgia prosecutor is also expected to indict Trump soon on charges including pressuring the Georgia Secretary of State to overturn the 2020 election results. Major foreign media outlets have evaluated that "this indictment could increase Trump’s chances of becoming the Republican presidential candidate," but "it will be difficult for him to gain support from moderate Republicans and independents." Having to campaign and face trials simultaneously during the primary period ahead of the 2024 election will also inevitably be a burden for Trump.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that Trump enjoyed a private dinner with Fox News executives immediately after learning of his third indictment. At this meeting, Fox News executives requested that Trump attend the first Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News at the end of this month, and Trump reportedly responded that he has not yet made a decision.

Local media including Politico have also focused on the strained relationship between the judge presiding over this trial and Trump. Judge Tania Chutkan of the Washington DC Federal District Court, who is handling the case, has a history of strongly punishing participants in the January 6 Capitol riot. In a December 2021 ruling, she stated, "Every day we hear reports that anti-democracy forces and individuals may plot violence in the 2024 (presidential) election," and emphasized, "It must be made clear that anyone who tries to prevent a peaceful transfer of power and attacks law enforcement will undoubtedly be punished." She also dismissed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the release of White House documents related to the January 6 Capitol riot involving Trump.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.