A New York jury has drastically reduced the remaining incentives for well-intentioned individuals to seek public office. While public jobs offer attractive salaries and government benefits, they now also carry the risk of incarceration.
Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony charges of financial misconduct by a jury hailing from the heavily Democratic New York City — despite the ambiguity surrounding the alleged crime.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) opted not to press charges. The Department of Justice (DOJ) chose not to pursue the matter either, as evidenced here. The U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York also decided against pursuing charges, and even prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s predecessor took a similar stance. However, as the 2024 election approached with a potential Trump victory, Bragg hurriedly delivered the first criminal indictment of a former president, signifying a new phase of political lawfare in public service.
Trump could now face up to 136 years in prison for the alleged clerical error previously dismissed by federal and local authorities. Sentencing for the GOP presidential candidate is set for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee.
This New York jury’s conviction completes a long-standing aim of Democrats since Trump entered the political arena. The underlying offense? Winning the presidency. From the Russia investigation to the Ukraine impeachment and the fallout from his January 6, 2021, speech, Trump has faced relentless opposition from Democrats. Despite years of evading conviction, he was ultimately found guilty in a predominantly Democratic state, by a jury influenced by a left-wing prosecutor who campaigned on targeting him.
Trump’s situation serves as a stark warning to those contemplating a political career — particularly those opposed to the Democratic establishment. This issue isn’t isolated to Trump. His former White House staffers, including Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, also face potential incarceration due to Democrats’ aggressive prosecution strategies.
By employing such aggressive litigation tactics against their primary challenger, Democrats have significantly altered American political dynamics. It’s likely that some Republicans will seek retribution. Consequently, individuals with integrity may now hesitate before pursuing public office.
There was a time when noble individuals ran for office in America. That time has seemingly passed, as Democrats appear to have ushered in a new era akin to a banana republic. The best candidates are rarely part of Third World politics.
