Donald Trump wasindicted for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election last week. This marks the third time this year that the former president has faced criminal charges.
Trump was indicted on four counts for conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct the official electoral proceeding that took place on January 6, 2021.
In June, the former president was charged with 37 counts of willful retention of national security information and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He is also the target of 24 felony criminal charges of falsifying business records in connection to an alleged hush money payment scheme involving an adult film star.
In the midst of multiple federal charges, Trump has still managed to maintain his status as the Republican frontrunner in the 2024 presidential election. His candidacy has prompted political and legal experts to question if he could take office if convicted of any alleged crime.
One of the country’s leading experts on election law Richard Hansen said that Trump could rightfully assume the position.
“The Constitution has very few requirements to serve as President, such as being at least 35 years of age,” Hansen told CNN. “It does not bar anyone indicted, or convicted, or even serving jail time, from running as president and winning the presidency.”
The presidential power that Trump would be able to exert from prison raises other questions. However, should he be elected before his trials conclude, Trump could force the Justice Department to end the cases and may even have the ability to pardon himself of all crimes.
