The airfield in Waco, Texas, was filled with thousands of Trump supporters over the weekend who came out to show their support for the former president at his first major campaign rally for the 2024 presidential bid. But something unexpected happened – supporters expressed that Trump’s potential criminal indictment could actually boost his chances of reelection.
Tanya, a rally attendee, told Fox News that “If he’s indicted, it will seal the deal, and he will be our next president.” Janine, another supporter volunteering at the event, added “I think he will be a martyr if they do that.”
Trump himself has been vocal about the possibility of an indictment, stating on March 18 that he expected to be arrested the next week in connection with a criminal investigation. However, grand jury proceedings have continued without an indictment.
The investigation in question involves allegations that during the 2016 campaign, Trump reimbursed his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about a purported sexual affair with Trump. Trump has called the investigation an example of Democrats weaponizing the justice system.
Despite these allegations, supporters like Melanie believe that a potential arrest could actually improve Trump’s chances of reelection. “More people will get information about it, and they’ll realize that he’s innocent,” she said.
Mark, another rally attendee, even predicted that if Trump were arrested, some Democrats would be persuaded to vote for the embattled Republican. “If they try to make him do a perp walk, even the Democrats are voting for Donald Trump,” he said.
The possibility of Trump’s criminal indictment has certainly caused a stir among supporters, with many believing that it could actually work in the former president’s favor. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s political future.