Poll reveals divided views on Trump’s criminal trial: Only 14% believe equal treatment, skepticism over fair outcome high

As former US President Donald Trump’s criminal prosecution commences, only one in seven Americans believe he is being treated similarly to other defendants, according to a recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS. Most respondents were divided over whether the ex-president was facing harsher or milder treatment than usual for someone accused of crimes. The survey’s results revealed that just 44% expressed confidence in the jury chosen for Trump’s ongoing trial, which has gained controversy because allegations stemming from an attempt to falsify business records have surfaced related to a former adult film actress’s hush money payments ahead of the 2016 election. Around half (56%) were skeptical that a fair outcome was possible in this case.
When questioned about their opinion regarding how Trump behaved during court proceedings, over forty-two percent believed his actions to be improper while only twenty-five percent considered them appropriate. A third of respondents remained unsure as they hadn’t heard enough information on the matter yet. As far as assessing whether the ongoing trial is relevant in determining the president’s eligibility for office, opinions had varied during different points; however, a growing number (45%) now believe that charges related to Trump’s role in the January 6th attack and efforts to overturn election results should not disqualify him from serving as President if they prove true.
More than three-quarters of Republicans declared support for Donald Trump against incumbent Democratic leader Joe Biden, despite being informed about his possible conviction. Approximately twenty-four percent admitted that such an outcome might change their mindset and cause them to reconsider voting for the Republican presidential nominee this coming year in the elections set in 2024. The survey’s results revealed a pattern among those Trump supporters who said they could potentially abandon him following his conviction: most of these respondents were young adults under fifty, comprised of minorities with greater percentages declaring support for Biden in 2020 as opposed to previous Republicans’ voting behavior before this particular period. The majority also acknowledged that Joe Biden won the election fair and square four years ago.
The CNN poll was conducted between April 18th-23rd, drawing responses from a randomly selected group of adults totaling one thousand two hundred and twelve across probabilities from pre-assembled sampling groups made possible with digital software or telephone interviews by live interviewers. The results have an estimated margin for error at three point four percentage points as determined via standard methods of pollster science applied to random samples drawn through probability theory principles.