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Opinion | How Donald Trump sustains his popularity despite legal troubles
- Trump’s divisive, confrontational approach appears to be working as his support far outpaces his rivals’ and he maintains a deep connection to his voters
- The main stumbling block in his re-election bid appears to be the legal system and the multiple criminal cases that could see him end up in jail
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Former US president Donald Trump’s legal troubles continue to escalate. He has been indicted three times in cases ranging from fraud to illegal seizure of state secrets and election interference. Moreover, an investigation is open about suspicions of election manipulation in the state of Georgia.
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Trump has called these cases part of the “deep state”, a “witch hunt” and “persecution”. At the Georgia Republican convention, he even claimed, “Our enemies are dying to stop us because they know we are the only ones who can stop them.” Meanwhile, many prominent Republicans refrain from confronting Trump’s allegations, fearing that rejecting him will help the Democrats win.
Trump’s strategy seems to be working. According to a Siena College poll conducted in July, 54 per cent of likely Republican primary voters prefer Trump. His closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, garnered the support of only 17 per cent of respondents, and no other candidate managed to surpass even 3 per cent support.
Trump’s tactics are divisive. His discourse has split conservatives into two camps. Meanwhile, many observers struggle to explain his political longevity, considering the countless controversies he has fuelled and his ongoing legal challenges.
First, Trump generates both sympathy and tries to fuel antagonism as an effective political strategy, challenging political norms and making abrasive statements. This approach earns him unparalleled visibility.
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US former president Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 2020 election charges
US former president Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 2020 election charges
This strategy also works because political polarisation is rising in the United States. According to Gallup’s annual Values and Beliefs survey, the number of people identifying as conservative or very conservative on social issues rose from 33 per cent last year to 38 per cent, the highest since 2012. Likewise, 44 per cent of Americans said they were conservative or very conservative on economic issues.
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