The looming question surrounding former President Donald Trump has persisted for years: will he finally face legal consequences for his alleged wrongdoings? With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, this issue has become more pressing than ever.
Despite numerous investigations, including a costly probe into alleged Russian collusion, and allegations of tax fraud, Trump has remained unscathed. However, recent developments suggest that the former president’s luck may have run out.
If a grand jury indicts Trump, the indictment will be filed under seal until his arraignment. While his lawyers are expected to negotiate a surrender date, there is a possibility that Trump may refuse to cooperate, leading to the unprecedented step of extradition.
Although Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may have some power to delay extradition, experts suggest that he cannot entirely prevent Trump’s indictment. If he is arrested, Trump will undergo the standard booking process and then appear in court to enter a plea.
While there have been discussions of a virtual arraignment, Trump has expressed interest in appearing in person. However, experts speculate that he is unlikely to be handcuffed or held in custody, as new bail rules in New York allow individuals indicted on misdemeanour charges or non-violent felonies to be released without bail.
If Trump goes to trial, it likely won’t be until well into the 2024 election season or even after the election itself. And while an indictment or conviction wouldn’t automatically disqualify him from running for president, a felony conviction could potentially impact his ability to vote for himself.
As the legal drama surrounding Trump unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will affect his political ambitions and the future of the Republican Party.
Some experts believe that a criminal indictment could damage Trump’s chances of securing the Republican Party’s nomination in 2024. It could also create uncertainty around his political future and complicate the GOP’s path to retaking the White House.
Furthermore, if Trump is convicted of a felony, it could have wider implications for the United States political system. While there is no constitutional bar preventing a convicted felon from running for president, it is unclear how the public and political establishment would respond to such a scenario.
