Analysis: Understanding the implications of Trump's 'breaking point' statement
Delve into the heightened desperation and risk posed by Donald Trump post 34 felony convictions, as his recent comments raise concerns of incitement among his followers. An insightful perspective by Dean Obeidallah.
Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney and host of SiriusXM radio’s “The Dean Obeidallah Show,” shares his own opinions in this commentary. Follow him on Threads for more. Read additional opinions on CNN.
Donald Trump, a former President, is now a convicted felon. This new development has made Trump increasingly desperate and more of a threat. Had he been acquitted or faced a hung jury, Trump may have continued to believe he was untouchable, like the infamous "Teflon Don."
Dean Obeidallah
Dean Obeidallah
Trump's apparent invincibility is fading, similar to mobster John Gotti, once known as the "Teflon Don." Gotti managed to evade criminal convictions in the past, earning him the nickname. However, his Teflon image came to an end in 1992 when he was found guilty in a case where a former associate testified against him. As a result, Gotti was sentenced to life in prison and passed away in 2002.
During a Fox News interview that aired on Sunday, the expected 2024 GOP presidential candidate was asked about the possibility of going to prison. At first, he confidently replied, "I'm fine with it." However, as the conversation progressed, Trump, who is still coming to terms with being labeled a criminal, expressed concern about the idea of being locked up. He stated, "I'm not sure if the public would tolerate it, you know? It might be hard for them to accept."
Trump then ominously added, "At a certain point, there's a breaking point."
In response to Trump's comment about a "breaking point," Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California bluntly stated on CNN's "State of the Union" that "this is clearly Donald Trump once again inciting violence." Schiff, who has been a vocal critic of Trump for years, is correct.
This is a much more concerning statement compared to Trump's remarks following the verdict on Thursday, where he criticized the trial as "rigged" and "disgraceful." The next day, during a press conference, he continued to push the narrative of a "rigged" trial and spread false information about President Joe Biden being involved in the New York County prosecution.
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference from the lobby of Trump Tower the day after being found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree at Manhattan Criminal Court, in New York, NY on Friday, May 31, 2024. Trump became the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes as a New York jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn actor who said the two had sex.
Former President Donald Trump held a news conference at Trump Tower the day after being found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York. This makes him the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. The charges were related to a scheme involving hush money payments to a porn actor to influence the 2016 election.
The event took place at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on Friday, May 31, 2024. Trump was found guilty by a New York jury for falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from his involvement in illegal activities aimed at swaying the outcome of the 2016 election through improper payments.
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Trump is starting to realize that he could be looking at prison time because each of the 34 felonies he was found guilty of carries a potential four-year sentence (with a total maximum of 20 years). Even Trump’s own lawyer Todd Blanche admitted to The Associated Press that while it would be unusual to see Trump behind bars, it is a possibility given the high-profile nature of the case and other legal issues Trump is facing. (On a positive note for candidate Trump, the Republican National Committee reported that he raised $70 million in just 48 hours after the verdict.)
Concerns are growing about Trump supporters instigating or engaging in violence in response to the verdict, especially with comments from Trump’s allies adding to the tension.
After the verdict, Laura Loomer, a close ally of Trump who had flown with him on his plane to an Iowa rally earlier in the year, called for Democrats to receive the death penalty. Carl Higbie, a host on Newsmax, a very pro-Trump television network, criticized the "tyrants" who prosecuted Trump on his Friday show. He also warned that Democrats are aligning themselves with the party that owns 90% of the guns.
Moreover, some Trump supporters online have been making threats and attempting to uncover the identities of the jurors who convicted Trump to seek revenge. Comments from Proud Boys chapters included a declaration of "war" and urged supporters to "fight" in order to "save your nation."
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Trump's previous criticism of the judge in his New York criminal case led to dangerous threats against Justice Juan Merchan. The question now is whether Trump's negative comments on the verdict and his use of provocative language will further fuel these threats and potentially incite violence from his followers. A similar situation occurred when Trump condemned the FBI for raiding his home in August 2022. A supporter who was outraged by the search ended up attacking an FBI office, tragically resulting in his own death.
Will Trump resort to his January 6 tactics to avoid a prison sentence? For instance, he previously claimed the 2020 election was "rigged" and urged his supporters to gather in Washington, DC, on Jan. 6, 2021, resulting in the Capitol attack. Will he incite protests at the New York courthouse on July 11, the day of his sentencing?
It remains uncertain how Trump will act, or how his supporters will respond. However, one thing is clear: Trump now recognizes that he is no longer immune to consequences and could face imprisonment.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the growing concerns surrounding Donald Trump's recent conviction and its potential implications. Trump's initial confidence has been shaken, and he now faces the reality of possible imprisonment. His comments about a "breaking point" and the ominous tone of his supporters have raised fears of violence.
The article draws parallels to the downfall of
