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For the first time in US history, a former president has been charged with an alleged crime. Does this mean the end of Donald Trump’s renewed presidential candidacy?
Not even close. Experts say an indictment is not an obstacle to a candidacy – nor is it a conviction or even a prison sentence. For example, Alan Dershowitz (84), one of the most famous criminal lawyers in the United States, knows that Trump himself could rule from prison.
Two criminals have already run for president
A look at history shows that these assessments are not merely theoretical. There are even examples of it. In order to become president in the US, three requirements must be met. The person must:
- being born in the US
- be at least 35 years old
- Have lived in the United States for 14 years
The socialist Eugene V. Debs (1855–1926) also met these requirements. In 1920, he campaigned from his prison cell – receiving more than 900,000 votes.
A second case was that of Lyndon LaRouche (1922–2019). The controversial politician and conspiracy theorist ran for president a total of seven times in his life, including in 1992 when he was serving a prison sentence for tax evasion and fraud.
Storming the Capitol could be Trump’s downfall
Trump is accused of falsely declaring hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels (44). Even if convicted and imprisoned for it, he could rule from prison in elections. There are “no formal barriers to a criminal running for president,” constitutional lawyer Michael C. Dorf told editorial network Germany. What that looks like in practice is another question.
However, among the allegations against Trump is one that could prevent the presidential candidacy. For example, he is currently under investigation in connection with the storming of the Capitol in January 2021. Constitutional attorney Michael W. McConnell explains that the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits anyone from holding public office who “participates in an insurrection or riot against the U.S. Constitution “participated in or supported or benefited their enemies.” (mel)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
