WASHINGTON– In an unprecedented ruling, former president Donald Trump was convicted to sway the 2016 election on Thursday. While the ruling is a legal blow for Trump, it doesn’t mean he can’t be the president.
There is no provision in the constitution preventing a felon from becoming president. While the fallout from the ruling is certain to have an impact upon the campaign, it won’t prevent Trump from appearing on the ballot in November.
A flurry of reactions from political candidates and lawmakers illustrated the polarizing nature of the verdict
The Trump team plans to appeal the ruling. It is unlikely that Trump’s sentencing, which could include prison time, will take place before the November election.
It is possible that if Trump wins the Nov. 2024 election, he could be sentenced for a criminal offense while serving as president. There is no precedent for such an event, which could place strain on both the legal system and the social fabric of the country.
