W. James Antle III, the executive editor of the Washington Examiner magazine and author of “Devouring Freedom: Can Government Ever Be Stopped?”, shares his personal views in this commentary. For more opinions, visit CNN.
Former President Donald Trump recently faced a daunting deadline to post a $464 million bond, which no one was willing to provide. However, he received a favorable decision from a state appeals court on Monday. The court reduced the bond requirement in his civil fraud case to $175 million, to be paid within the next 10 days. This ruling not only benefits Trump but also prevents potential backlash from Democratic voters who would be upset by the seizure of his assets.
W. James Antle III
W. James Antle III
Trump rose to fame as a prominent celebrity known for his extravagant wealth. Many saw him as a symbol of extreme opulence. His image as a successful businessman, capable of overseeing a vast real estate empire, was a key factor in earning the trust of voters who were willing to elect a political newcomer as president in 2016.
It could be embarrassing for Trump if he was unable to pay when the bond deadline came due as he seeks to return to the White House. Trump declared he will post the new lower amount quickly, which goes against his carefully cultivated public image. The New York civil fraud case raises questions about how Trump acquired much of his wealth.
Confiscating Trump's assets or threatening seizures could potentially rally voters to his side, similar to how his legal problems have helped him in the Republican primaries. People generally don't like to see bank accounts and properties seized, which could generate sympathy for the candidate. Trump is perceived as a victim of the political class and a defender of his voters against such attacks, putting him in a unique position.
Trump is no longer just a rich celebrity businessman running for president. He is now a former president who has been leading the Republican Party for almost a decade. Additionally, he is the face of a populist political movement that believes it is under attack by elites.
Many of Trump's supporters feel that he is now the target of Democratic prosecutors in various jurisdictions. Trump himself has fueled this belief by calling the legal actions against him a "witch hunt," "hoax," and a form of voter intimidation and election interference. During a recent hearing for a criminal hush-money case, Trump made these statements, and jury selection for this case is set to start on April 15th. His supporters feel that after trying to take away his freedom through multiple indictments, the legal system is now targeting his businesses and money. They view New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat who filed the fraud case, as a partisan political figure rather than an impartial mediator.
Former US President Donald Trump was seen attending a hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on March 25, 2024. The purpose of the hearing was to determine the date of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments related to extramarital affairs. Trump is currently facing twin legal challenges in New York, where he may face the possible seizure of his properties due to a significant fine. Additionally, he is also trying to delay a criminal trial.
Former US President Donald Trump attends a hearing to determine the date of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on March 25, 2024. Trump faces twin legal crises today in New York, where he could see the possible seizure of his storied properties over a massive fine as he separately fights to delay a criminal trial even further. (Photo by JUSTIN LANE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN LANE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Justin Lane/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Related live-story
Trump is currently dealing with a hush money case hearing and a looming deadline for a massive civil fraud bond. According to an analysis by the Associated Press, such a penalty has only been imposed twelve times in nearly 70 years of civil cases under New York law. Trump's case is unique because it is the only big business facing a shutdown without clear victims and major losses.
The GOP primaries this year have highlighted the concern that a "two-tiered" system of justice is unfairly targeting conservatives, Republicans, and regular citizens. The presumptive Republican nominee is counting on this issue to remain relevant as we move towards the general election.
Many fundraising appeals are flooding my inbox, urging donors to help prevent James from seizing Trump Tower. The legal efforts to take control of Trump's properties in New York could upset his supporters, generate sympathy from other voters, and once again give him free publicity on the airwaves, all of which have worked in his favor in the past.
The general election is different from the Republican primary. Recent polls show that non-Republicans take the accusations against Trump more seriously. However, there are signs that this election could be focused on rallying the base, like in past presidential races. This means that the two main candidates are close in popularity and both have a chance of winning. The key to victory will be getting core supporters to vote, so issues that energize their bases will be important.
Some people, including those not affiliated with the GOP or supportive of Trump, believe that he is facing unfair legal actions. This perception could actually help Trump's political standing.
Trump's main argument on appeal is that the harm he caused was minimal because all his lenders were repaid. Liberal Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus pointed out that he believes the penalty imposed on him was excessively high. The issue is that the large judgment amount and bond requirement might prevent him from appealing. If Trump decides to continue with his case, James could seize and sell off his assets. Marcus concluded that this situation does not seem fair.
Get Our Free Weekly Newsletter
Sign up for CNN Opinion’s newsletter
Join us on Twitter and Facebook
Progressive commentator Cenk Uygur, who is strongly against Trump, expressed his concerns on his show The Young Turks. He found it harsh that one must put up all the cash upfront before appealing a case, not just for Trump. Uygur questioned the scenario where Trump wins the appeal but has already sold all his properties for collateral. This would result in financial irreparable harm, making it difficult for him to buy back his properties.
These views may not be shared by the half of Americans who believe Trump is guilty of the falsifying business records charges in his separate New York criminal case. However, if some commentators on the left view potential asset seizures in his civil case as unfair, many of the voters still open to supporting Trump could easily see this as an outrage. Conservatives and frustrated independents who view New York's actions against Trump as a reason to vote for him in November could ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
If this scenario plays out, Trump could once again transform a legal and personal setback into a political advantage.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the complexities of the legal battle surrounding former President Donald Trump and its potential impact on his political aspirations. The author highlights the significant financial burden imposed on Trump in the form of a hefty bond requirement, which was later reduced but still remains a substantial amount. The author suggests that the seizure of Trump's assets could potentially backfire on his opponents, rallying his supporters and generating sympathy among voters who may perceive such actions as an unfair attack.
The article also touches upon the broader political implications of the legal challenges facing Trump. The author argues that the perception of unfair treatment by the legal system could bolster Trump's political standing and energize his base, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election. The author cites concerns raised by some commentators, including those who are not necessarily supportive of Trump, regarding the potential for excessive and irreparable harm resulting from asset seizures. Such concerns, if shared by a significant portion of the electorate, could shape the outcome of the election by motivating voters who perceive Trump as a victim of political persecution. out in the upcoming election.
