The latest charges against former President Donald Trump over his alleged involvement in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, could be bad news for his GOP contenders.
If the pattern follows past charges, Trump will raise more money and build a stronger lead against the large Republican field.
The indictment against Trump in the federal Jan. 6 probe is just the latest set of charges threatening to eclipse his Republican primary opponents as they struggle to gain traction against the former president in the polls. https://t.co/W2LamOuZsT
— The Hill (@thehill) August 2, 2023
“It’s a net positive every single time because it thrusts him back to the top of the news cycle as a martyr,” one Republican strategist said.
“The base is certainly energized by having a fight to engage. They see the DOJ and the Biden administration as waging a war against the former Republican president," the strategist added.
Trump tops 50% in new national GOP poll, up 37 points on DeSantis https://t.co/xr2W2Fsrdk pic.twitter.com/iswi1gTmmm
— New York Post (@nypost) July 31, 2023
"Former President Donald Trump remains the undisputed leader of the 2024 Republican presidential pack — holding a staggering 37 percentage-point lead over his nearest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to a new poll out Monday," the New York Post reported.
"Trump, 77, drew 54% support among likely GOP primary voters nationwide in the New York Times/Siena College survey, followed by DeSantis at 17%," it added.
No other GOP candidate reached more than 3% in support, with Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott (SC) the next closest contenders.
The trend also holds in Florida, where DeSantis is far behind Trump in the survey. Trump ranked 60% versus DeSantis at just 9% in his home state.
The indictments so far have only helped Trump build momentum as other candidates navigate whether to oppose his charges or agree with them.
The trend may change at some point but so far have done little to stop Trump's comeback bid for the White House.
