Donald Trump’s second arraignment unfolded similarly to the first, with small crowds of supporters gathering outside the courthouse alongside a large contingent of reporters. Law enforcement was on high alert due to concerns of potential violence, as some Trump allies had called for protests and retribution. Laura Loomer had tweeted about a “peaceful rally,” while authorities warned of a planned Proud Boys demonstration. Despite these concerns, only a few hundred supporters showed up throughout the day, and the demonstrations remained peaceful.
The turnout at Trump’s arraignment raises questions about the strength of his diehard support base. A recent Economist/YouGov poll indicates that Republicans are less inclined to defend him in the classified-documents case compared to his previous legal troubles. The poll found that 56% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats consider a president taking classified documents after leaving office to be a serious matter. In August of last year, 53% of Republicans approved of Trump taking the records, but that number has now dropped to 39%. However, 72% of Republicans do not believe he should face criminal charges.
Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents, including charges of willful retention of national-defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements. The indictment has been described as “damning” by NR’s editors, who expressed concern about the way Trump handled classified documents and responded to federal authorities’ attempts to reclaim them.
Former attorney general Bill Barr also expressed concern over the allegations, stating that if even half of them are true, Trump is in serious trouble. He dismissed Trump’s claims of being a victim of a witch hunt as “ridiculous.”
Despite the seriousness of the indictment, Trump appeared more spirited during this arraignment than the previous one. He greeted supporters with a thumbs up as he left the courthouse and made an impromptu visit to a restaurant where he posed for photos with supporters. The indictment has become another opportunity for Trump to fundraise and campaign, as well as a test for other Republican candidates in the 2024 election.
Vivek Ramaswamy has led the charge, demanding that Republican presidential contenders pledge to pardon Trump if he is convicted or explain why they won’t. Nikki Haley expressed her inclination to favor a pardon for Trump but also acknowledged that if the claims in the indictment are true, he was reckless with national security. Other Republicans, such as Chris Christie, have criticized candidates who are afraid to take on Trump directly.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has remained relatively quiet during Trump’s second indictment, but he did discuss the politicization of the Department of Justice during a speech. DeSantis emphasized the need for one standard of justice in the country, arguing against different rules for Democrats and Republicans.
However, Asa Hutchinson has taken a different stance and called on Trump to drop out of the race.
The primary system in the United States has come under scrutiny, with Charles C. W. Cooke arguing that it is failing Americans. He suggests that primary voters are not necessarily better at choosing appealing candidates than party officials, as evidenced by the nomination of figures whom a majority of Americans disapprove of. Noah Rothman also argues that being anti-woke is not enough to beat Trump, pointing out that Ron DeSantis has focused on niche issues that may have limited appeal.
Meanwhile, some prominent Democrats, such as Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer, have pursued their own political agendas, raising questions about their commitment to helping Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
