<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper"><strong>Trumped up?</strong></h2>

Unashamed and unrepentant, the 76-year-old former president walked out of court - $5m (£4m) poorer - and straight into the television studio.

Less than a week ago, a civilCriminal trails are usually brought by the state against an individual, whereas civil trials are brought by one individual or group against another. jury in New York found Donald TrumpAn American politician, media personality, and businessman serving as the 47th president of the United States since January 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. guilty of battery and defamation. Many argue that this alone should rule him out of high office. But others caution that Trump has a number of factors in his favour - and many believe he may win the presidential elections in 2024.

Trump is no stranger to the media. His ability to dominate the news cycle is a major asset for any political campaigner. Only a day after the jury's verdict, Trump walked onto the stage of a CNN town hall event to loud applause. It was a reminder of the continued power of Donald Trump. 

During the show, Trump made a number of controversial statements. He endorsed defaultingFailing to complete an obligation, for example paying back a loan. on US national debt; called the moderator "nasty"; claimed that the 2020 election was "stolen" from him and called the 6 JanuaryThen-US president Donald Trump was accused of inciting a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 in a bid to overturn the 2020 election results. storming of the CapitolThe building in Washington DC where the US Congress meets. It was named after the Capitoline Hill in Rome. building by his supporters a peaceful protest. 

He also repeatedly insulted the writer E Jean Carroll, who had just been awarded $5m (£4m) in damages after a jury found that Trump had defamedDefamation is an untrue statement that harms someone's reputation. and sexually assaulted her. 

Some have criticised the decision to allow Trump to have the airtime, raising concerns that it allowed him to spread falsehoods without challenge. But others argue that it is important to hear different voices in the media - even if we disagree with them. 

So, could he win again? Despite his legal troubles and being twice impeached whilst in office, the former president still has a strong base of support among Republican voters. A recent poll found that 60% of Republicans would support Trump if he ran for president again in 2024.

Another factor in his favour is his ability to raise money. Trump is a very effective fundraiser and one of the most well-known people in the world. He has raised over $100m (£80m) since leaving office. 

But this does not mean the route to office will be plain sailing for Trump. At 76, he is considerably older than his 44-year-old Republican PartyAlso known as the Grand Old Party or GOP, it is one of the USA's two major political parties. Its first president was Abraham Lincoln. It sits on the right of the political spectrum. rival Ron DeSantisA Republican Party politician in Florida, USA known for his right-wing views.. Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation into his business dealings could even lead to jail time. And for now, most major opinion polls show that, on average, Joe BidenAn American politician who was the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. leads Trump by 2%.

Yes: Trump stands a very good chance of winning. He is still very popular with the Republican base and he has a strong fundraising operation.

No: Trump is a very polarisingTo cause people to divide into two opposing groups. figure due to his history of making controversial statements. This may lead voters to believe he is a liability. He is also facing a number of legal challenges which may mean he is unable to run for president.

Or... It is too early to say whether Trump will win in 2024. A number of factors, from the state of the economy to who else is running, are not yet known. However, he is a formidable candidate who should not be underestimated.

Civil - Criminal trails are usually brought by the state against an individual, whereas civil trials are brought by one individual or group against another.

Donald Trump - An American politician, media personality, and businessman serving as the 47th president of the United States since January 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.

Defaulting - Failing to complete an obligation, for example paying back a loan.

6 January - Then-US president Donald Trump was accused of inciting a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 in a bid to overturn the 2020 election results.

Capitol - The building in Washington DC where the US Congress meets. It was named after the Capitoline Hill in Rome.

Defamed - Defamation is an untrue statement that harms someone's reputation.

Republican Party - Also known as the Grand Old Party or GOP, it is one of the USA's two major political parties. Its first president was Abraham Lincoln. It sits on the right of the political spectrum.

Ron DeSantis - A Republican Party politician in Florida, USA known for his right-wing views.

Joe Biden - An American politician who was the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025.

Polarising - To cause people to divide into two opposing groups.