Marked by the eventful testimony of Stormy Daniels, the last week has been frustrating and humiliating for Donald Trump. Despite this, the former president can also rejoice in thinking that his ordeal before the courts is coming to an end.
Stormy Daniels and others
Stormy Daniels’ testimony, which stretched over two days, received media coverage that in no way corresponds to the importance of the elements presented.
If we can think that the salacious details of the alleged relationship between the reality TV star and the pornographic film star could have left in the minds of the jurors an unflattering image of the accused, nothing that has circulated is incriminating for Donald Trump.
We may think that the trial will have its outcome well before the election, but he is very smart who can predict the outcome. A unanimous decision of the jury is required, failing which the Republican candidate will be freed from a burden.
The good news of the week for Donald Trump came from Florida. To the astonishment of an overwhelming majority of experts, Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the trial surrounding the management of classified documents, has suspended the proceedings indefinitely.
Whether one understands his decision or not, it has the effect of guaranteeing that even if the trial were to begin before the election, there would be no judgment before the November 5 vote.
We already know that the two other criminal trials involving the Republican candidate are also at a standstill.
While in Washington we await the decision of the Supreme Court on the question of presidential immunity, in Georgia, the lawyers of the 45e President have had an additional period accepted.
On May 11, it is therefore possible to say that Trump’s lawyers won the bet which consisted of allowing him to be elected before possibly being convicted.
Political impact
Last week, Jean-Marc Léger argued that if convicted, Donald Trump would see his support diminished. He was looking at a six-point loss, which would leave 37% of the vote for the Republican candidate.
What will remain of this effect in six months? Already, we can say that the Americans are little interested in the New York trial if we look at the television ratings. More important: Biden’s support would not increase significantly, with disappointed voters instead swelling the ranks of the undecided.
Convicted or not, if he avoids prison, Donald Trump is still considered a strong candidate. Each victory or postponement contributes to his aura of invincibility. If he takes advantage of this context to return to the White House, he could then try to put an end to the proceedings brought against him.
Photo of the week
Sketch of Stormy Daniels’ testimony by a court artist, where we also see the reproduction of a photograph of the porn star in the company of Donald Trump (this sketch circulated in numerous American media this week).
Number of the week
1 billion dollars. This is the amount of money Trump hopes to receive from twenty oil company executives. According to Washington Post, Trump reportedly promised these leaders to reverse regulations or policies from the Biden administration. These dealings are not ethical, but they do not break any laws.
The quote of the week
“In business, every dollar, every coin counts. Even in high-end boutiques, I negotiate. I hate paying the sticker price”. Bragg’s team used numerous quotes from Trump’s book titled How To Get Rich. We want to demonstrate that the accused practices micromanagement and that a payment of $130,000 cannot have escaped his notice.
The lie detector
“I am not allowed to testify because a judge, in a complete conflict of interest, imposed an unconstitutional gag order on me. I am not allowed to express myself”. Leading his presence in court and his electoral campaign simultaneously, Donald Trump made this statement to journalists. It was Judge Merchan who corrected him, reminding him that it was up to Trump to ask to be heard as a witness, which his lawyers advise him against.
FAKE
