Donald Trump’s second arraignment unfolded similarly to the first, with small crowds of supporters and a media frenzy outside the courthouse. Concerns about potential violence and protests were raised by Trump allies, including Laura Loomer and the Proud Boys. Trump himself called for protests but urged peaceful and legal demonstrations. Despite predictions of violence, only a few hundred supporters showed up, and the demonstrations remained peaceful.
A recent Economist/YouGov poll indicates that Republicans are less inclined to defend Trump in the classified-documents case compared to his previous legal issues. A majority of Republicans now see taking classified documents after leaving office as a serious matter. The approval rating for Trump taking the records has dropped among Republicans, but most still do not believe he should face criminal charges.
Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents. The indictment has been described as damning by NR’s editors, who criticized the politicization of the case. Former Attorney General Bill Barr also expressed concerns about Trump’s actions.
During his second arraignment, Trump appeared more spirited and made an unexpected stop at a restaurant where he posed for photos with supporters. The indictment has become a fundraising and campaigning opportunity for Trump and a test for other Republican candidates.
Vivek Ramaswamy has called on Republican presidential contenders to sign a pledge to pardon Trump if he is convicted or explain why they won’t. Nikki Haley expressed inclination towards a pardon but acknowledged the seriousness of the indictment. Other Republicans, like Chris Christie, have criticized candidates who avoid discussing Trump.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has remained mostly quiet, but he criticized the politicization of the Department of Justice in a speech. Asa Hutchinson has called on Trump to drop out of the race, but Trump has vowed to stay in.
In other news, Charles C. W. Cooke argues that the primary system is failing Americans, as voters seem to want alternatives to Biden and Trump but end up renominating them. Noah Rothman suggests that DeSantis needs more than just anti-wokeness to beat Trump. Jim Geraghty examines DeSantis’s niche issues and questions their appeal. On the Democratic side, big-name Democrats like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer have taken actions that seem to benefit themselves rather than helping Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
