The Prosecutions of Donald Trump: A Cause for Celebration, Not Lament
September 9, 2023, 7:30 AM ET
Several distinguished individuals have recently expressed grave reservations about the prosecutions of former President Donald Trump. Notably, they appear to have no dispute about the seriousness of his wrongdoing. Rather, their main concern is that these prosecutions may be perceived as political trials, ultimately benefiting Trump and his allies. While it is true that many Trump supporters may adopt this perspective, it is crucial to recognize the significance of prosecuting Trump in upholding the rule of law and restoring America’s national spirit.
In order to preserve a free society and its democratic principles, it is imperative to prosecute Donald Trump for his attempts to overturn our democracy and willful mishandling of national secrets. These prosecutions are not optional; they are a necessary step for the survival of America’s rule of law and to restore the trust that is vital for its continuation. Furthermore, they represent the nation’s best chance at breaking free from the destructive influence of Trump’s lies and insults over the past eight years.
The offenses committed by a sitting president in deliberately trying to overturn the outcome of a democratic election, coupled with the illegal withholding of sensitive national secrets, are unimaginably serious. The gravity of these offenses is compounded by their duration, spanning several months and various states, as well as the means employed to manipulate the electoral outcome. Similarly, the extent of classified material involved in the documents case and the persistent efforts to evade returning them are truly astonishing.
The abundance and quality of evidence, including audio and video recordings, establish Trump as the primary driver behind these key misdeeds. While it is true that the presence of extensive evidence adds complexity to the prosecution process and introduces the possibility of an acquittal, this risk is inherent in any criminal case and should not dissuade prosecutors.
To refrain from prosecuting Trump in these cases, which involve flagrant wrongdoings committed by someone entrusted with the highest position of power, would be a failure of our justice system at its core. The organizers and participants of the January 6 events, fueled by Trump’s incitement and inaction, are already facing sentences of approximately 20 years. It would be inconceivable to grant immunity to the individual who unquestionably initiated it all by betraying his sacred obligations to the nation.
Prosecution is not solely motivated by the abstract principle of justice or the belief that no person should be above the law; it is also driven by the need to deter future misconduct, particularly as upcoming elections approach. Despite his failure to illicitly alter the outcome of the 2020 election, Trump and his Republican allies persist in delegitimizing past elections and seeking to manipulate future ones. If such egregious conduct does not warrant criminal action, what will deter Trump or others from attempting to steal elections in the future?
Some skeptics argue that the timing of these prosecutions, coming from the Biden administration when Trump is reportedly leading in the polls and vying for the Republican Party nomination, will be seen as politically motivated. They fear that this perception will lend credibility to claims of the Department of Justice being weaponized. However, these allegations lack a factual basis. Attorney General Merrick Garland has conducted himself admirably, seeking to restore the department’s reputation for impartiality after the politicization under Bill Barr’s tenure. Claims of politicization are part of the web of falsehoods propagated by Trump and his allies to deceive his followers. It is essential not to forgo meritorious prosecutions for the gravest offenses because the defendant has managed to deceive a significant number of people into believing fabrications.
In confronting this challenge, America must rely on its most skilled and brilliant prosecutors to formulate and pursue these crucial cases. It is unproductive to lament potential setbacks; instead, this is an occasion for celebration, signifying a turning point in repudiating Donald Trump once and for all. While the justice system alone cannot safeguard democracy, the ongoing legal proceedings contribute to the restoration of rationality in public life. The pending charges cast Trump in a new light, stripping away the allure of his apparent impunity to authority. Though he may exploit his mug shot for fundraising purposes, how will the Trump cult fare as his accountability for his heinous wrongdoings becomes increasingly evident in the months to come?
The process of justice, which remained hidden during the months of investigation, now ensnares Trump in a series of proceedings beyond his control. Four distinct cases across the country are on course for trials where the truth or falsehood of these profoundly serious allegations will be objectively adjudicated. This, in itself, is a remarkable development that some doubted would ever come to fruition just a few months ago. It represents the highest aspiration a free society can have.
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