While Democrats hoped the New York trial against Donald Trump would be their "salvation," Rep. Dean Phillips believes it has ultimately "backfired" on them. Closing arguments are expected this week in the case, which involves 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota has expressed his belief that the ongoing New York trial against former President Donald Trump has "backfired" on Democrats who had hoped it would be their "salvation." Speaking to CNN's Manu Raju, Phillips stated, "I think the New York cases, if anything, may have backfired against those who thought that it would be the salvation. But I don't think the New York cases are exactly what Democrats were hoping they would be."
Phillips' comments come as closing arguments in Trump's New York criminal case are expected this week. The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election.
Some legal commentators have predicted that a conviction in the New York trial is likely but not certain. However, if convicted, Trump would likely face an instant appeal, potentially leading to a lengthy timeline for resolution.
Phillips' assertion that the New York cases have backfired on Democrats highlights concerns within the party that the focus on Trump's legal troubles may have diverted attention from other priorities. Phillips himself had been a vocal critic of the impeachment inquiry against Trump in 2019, arguing that it was politically motivated and would ultimately harm the party.
Despite the setbacks faced by Democrats in the New York cases, some within the party remain hopeful that a conviction could still impact the upcoming presidential election. CNN correspondent Sara Murray has argued that an acquittal would be a "nightmare scenario" for Democrats, providing Trump with an opportunity to claim political victory and potentially energize his base.
However, Murray has also noted that a hung jury could leave Trump's fate in the hands of voters, as they would have the final say in determining his political future.
While the New York trial continues, Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has accused Democrats of engaging in a political witch hunt against him. He has also claimed that the Department of Justice under President Biden is unfairly targeting him.
The outcome of the New York trial remains uncertain, and it is unclear what impact it will have on the political landscape in the United States. However, Rep. Phillips' comments reflect the concerns of some Democrats who believe that the party's focus on Trump's legal troubles may have come at the expense of other priorities.
