GOP Split on Effect of Trump Civil Case

A federal jury determined on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump was liable in a civil case over sexual abuse and defamation against former magazine writer E. Jean Carroll, casting a cloud of uncertainty over Trump’s upcoming presidential bid.

The jury found that there was significant proof  Trump sexually abused Carroll in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan nearly 30 years ago. The jury also determined that there was not enough evidence to prove Carroll’s claim that Trump had raped her.

The effect the outcome of this case will have on Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign is unclear, with Republican party members offering opposing viewpoints on what the verdict will mean for American voters.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) believes the case could negatively impact swing voters’ perception of Trump.

“His first go-around, there were a lot of swing-type voters who were open to the opportunity and I think a lot of those voters abandoned him in the second go-around and this reminds them of why,” said Cramer, per The Washington Post. 

Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, said the allegations against Trump continue to grow, which may dissuade voters.

“I mean, this guy, it’s one person after another, one woman after another. The stories just continue to pile up,” said Christie during an interview on Fox News. “And I think we all know he’s not ‘unlucky,’ that he engaged in this kind of conduct … and he talked about it himself in the Access Hollywood tape.”

“And so, I do I think this is a silver bullet that ends Donald Trump’s candidacy,” Christie added.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) told Fox News that Trump has faced these kinds of allegations before and they have not substantially affected the support he receives.

“This has been going on for years,” said Hagerty, per The Wall Street Journal. “And he has been amazing in his ability to weather these sorts of attacks, and the American public has been amazing in their support for him.”

Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, said many voters are focused on other topics and may not be swayed by the results of the case.

“I think a lot of women are incredibly disappointed with the Biden administration so they’ll be looking at the Republican nominee, whoever that is, to put forward an opposing vision,” said McDaniel, per The Wall Street Journal. 

A Washington Post / ABC News poll taken prior to Tuesday’s federal civil jury verdict found that Trump had 43 percent of the Republican party’s support for a presidential run, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis having the second-most support at 20 percent.