How Trump’s criminal sentence could affect MAGA rallies and 2024 plans
By
Naomi Lim
June 3, 2024 7:00 am
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Uncertainty surrounding former President Donald Trump‘s sentencing after a New York jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his hush money trial is creating uncertainty regarding his presidential campaign
But Republicans are optimistic that Trump’s campaign will be helped, not hindered, by his conviction, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Trump’s sentence, scheduled to be handed down by New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Manuel Merchan on July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention, will be stayed until his appeals are exhausted, according to Republican strategist Charlie Black.
“He will continue to be free on bond and campaign any way he wants,” Black told the Washington Examiner. “He can have rallies where the banner says ‘Woe is me’ and whine about his predicament.”
Trump and his attorneys have previewed a range of possible grounds for appeal, from Merchan’s refusal to grant the former president a venue change to the presiding justice changing the parameters of a defense campaign finance expert witness’s testimony, his instructions to the jury before their deliberations, in addition to him, more broadly, being biased.
Black’s prediction downplays speculation Trump’s sentence could impede his campaign. For example, if Trump is sentenced to time in a state prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars. His sentence could also include a fine or community service, even probation.
For Republican strategist Cesar Conda, any restrictions Merchan places on Trump’s ability to campaign will be perceived by the former president’s supporters “as election interference.”
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/presidential/3024164/trump-guilty-sentence-muddle-2024-plans/
