Ex-US President Donald Trump Indicted by NY Grand Jury

Ex-US President Donald Trump Indicted by NY Grand Jury
Image copyright: Reuters [via CNN]

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Donald Trump is a victim of a Democratic witch hunt to suppress his influence and reclaim the presidency. Democrats have successfully weaponized the criminal justice system, which is now focused on political vengeance and punishing a political opponent instead of keeping Americans safe. This is not an indictment of a crime, it is an indictment of a failed nation.

Democratic narrative

While it is not illegal to silence someone so as to protect your reputation and marriage, covering up the action by falsifying business records is a criminal offense. The indictment is a testament to the fact that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful they are. Alleged breaches of campaign finance law carried out by the Trump campaign also deserve to be taken seriously.

Narrative C

This indictment has set the stage for a 2024 presidential contest unlike any other. Being charged with — or found guilty of — a crime does not disqualify the 45th president of the United States from running for office again. An indictment may even make Trump more popular, since he is an expert at portraying himself as an anti-establishment figure against his opponents' weight. This development alone will not hand Trump victory in 2024, but it does lay the ground for an unpredictable presidential contest.

Metaculus Prediction

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!