A CNN senior data reporter, Harry Enten, has revealed that Americans' opinions on former President Trump have not changed during his ongoing hush money trial in New York City. Enten cited a Quinnipiac poll showing that 46% of respondents believed Trump had done something illegal regarding payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, both before and after the prosecution examined Michael Cohen.
CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten has asserted that the ongoing hush money trial in New York City has had no impact on the public's perception of former President Trump. Enten presented numbers on the network Wednesday showing that Americans' opinions on Trump have remained unchanged during the trial, despite closing arguments being presented.
A Quinnipiac poll cited by Enten indicated that 46% of respondents believed Trump had committed illegal acts related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, both during pre-opening statements and after the prosecution's direct examination of Michael Cohen.
When questioned by CNN anchor John Berman about whether anything had changed over the 44 days since jury selection, Enten asserted that there had been no significant shifts in public opinion. He pointed to the Quinnipiac poll, which showed no difference in the percentage of Americans who believed Trump had committed illegal acts.
Enten also noted that the percentage of Americans who viewed the charges against Trump as very serious had decreased from 40% to 35% during the trial. He suggested that while the jury's perceptions may have changed, the larger American public's opinion on the matter had remained constant.
Enten attributed the lack of change in public opinion to the fact that most Americans are not particularly interested in the trial. He cited an Ipsos poll showing that the public is more concerned with issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion.
"Americans' minds aren't changing because they are tuned out of the conversation," Enten stated.
The data presented by Enten aligns with other recent polls, which have indicated that the hush money trial has had a minimal impact on Americans' views of Trump. A Morning Consult poll conducted in May found that 44% of Americans believed Trump was guilty of the charges against him, while 47% believed he was not guilty. These numbers remained largely unchanged from a poll conducted in April, before the trial began.
The lack of change in public opinion highlights the challenges facing prosecutors in the hush money trial. While the trial has generated significant media attention, it has not convinced the public that Trump is guilty of the charges against him. With closing arguments now underway, it remains to be seen whether the prosecution can present evidence that will sway the jury and ultimately lead to a conviction.
