Following his felony conviction, former president Donald Trump was ordered by the court to have an interview with a probation officer. Several media outlets reported on the event which was a 30-minute Zoom. Much of the coverage attempted to paint the situation as another disastrous legal situation for Trump.

MIG Reports studied social media reactions to the interview itself and media coverage. Trump supporters don’t seem to be wavering—and neither do Trump haters. However, discussions of Trump mentioning the keyword “president” increased with a net gain in approval and no data indicating lowered support.

Many Americans, particularly those on the right, view Trump's legal treatment as egregious and unfair, further fueling their support for him. They use the theatrical nature of his probation interview to criticize what they perceive as increasingly steep political persecution against conservatives.

Voters are also divided regarding current President Joe Biden. They criticize him for his administration’s failures and see Trump as a more favorable option, often also calling for Biden's impeachment.

Some defend President Biden, arguing any impeachment attempts are baseless and targeting political opponents. However, their view of Trump is the opposite among those on the left who tend to view claims of Trump's mistreatment as either false or that he deserves what he’s getting. They also continue expressing deep dissatisfaction with Trump's comments about certain issues, like recent remarks about Taylor Swift.

Other Reactionary Conservative Discussions

The topic of Hunter Biden's conviction is brought up repeatedly in discussions of Trump's probation interview. Some argue about alleged double standards in the justice system, indicating suspicion about how both cases were handled by authorities.

Posts referencing Marjorie Taylor Greene's intent to impeach Joe Biden presents a divided reaction, with many dismissing it as futile and a waste of time, while a significant portion support her efforts reflecting a heightened political polarization.

Recent reporting identified President Joe Biden as suffering his lowest approval numbers from voters at around 37.4%. Americans say they’re dissatisfied with the current administration because of multiple issues, which ae causing the dwindling approval rating. Some of the top issues include the economy, immigration, impeachment efforts, and allegations against his son, Hunter Biden.

The Economy

Many Americans are frustrated with the current economic situation. They believe their wages are not increasing in line with the rising cost of living. Some feel they are working mainly to pay bills, further exasperating their discontent with Biden's policy. Accusations around Biden favoring special interests and corporations over everyday people are also adding to the negative sentiment.

Immigration

Concerns around immigration policy and border security, particularly related to the U.S.-Mexico border, are contributing to Biden's low approval rating. Biden has been criticized for the problems persisting at the border despite his rule change and executive orders.

Impeachment Efforts

Some discussions focus on efforts by Republicans, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and others, to impeach Biden. This has sparked debate around the validity and evidence behind these efforts. Many express frustration at the perceived pettiness and partisanship of these moves even as they have been largely unsuccessful.

Family Ties

Hunter Biden’s business dealings have also drawn scrutiny and criticism. Some Americans believe not enough is being done to investigate Hunter Biden and that Joe Biden should be held accountable too. Conversely, others point out that Biden has not interfered in ongoing investigations or litigation involving his son, showing integrity and respect for the justice system.

Israel-Palestine

Many online discussions highlight divisions in the Democratic Party regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Democratic voters will likely continue to be split by this conflict, especially with no ability to offset emotional stressors which have helped drive the abysmal approval numbers.

Establishment Sentiment

There is a significant amount of misinformation and extreme views circulating, some accusing Biden of totalitarian rule and election fraud, even leading to aggressive and threatening comments.

Furthermore, the prevalent perception that Biden is not doing enough for the American people seems to be negatively impacting his approval rating. Whether accurate or not, this perception can influence how people view his performance, which is reflected in polls.

Democratic Perspectives

While his supporters are vocally in favor of President Biden amid dropping approval ratings, their reasons are less nuanced and not universal.

• Dismissive: Many argue President Biden is a “clean politician,” capable of shaking off any negative allegations.
• Mainstream Media’s Fault: Some blame Biden's unpopularity on factors such as media exaggerations and hypocrisy.
• Reality Check: Some admit Biden faces a tough battle in countering these negative perceptions.

Issues that will likely continue impacting Biden’s approval include:

• Continued border crossing numbers in the face of Biden’s meager response to control the border.
• CPI and other inflation reporting continually adjusted.
• Democratic National Convention nominating Joe Biden as the presidential candidate via Zoom.

Recent economic data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis went viral showcasing economic disparities for Americans between the Trump and Biden administrations. MIG Reports analyzed voter commentary to identify sentiment patterns and reaction trends.

What Americans are Saying

When comparing economic strains under the Biden administration versus the Trump administration, it's important to consider consumer prices, household net worth, and discussions involving taxes.

Consumer prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index, a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services, have illustrated a rising trend with inflation. Between the two administrations, the American public has witnessed a noticeable shift in inflation rates under Biden.

As for household net worth, which is a measure of the value of all assets, minus the total of all liabilities—there is a mixed view. Changes in household net worth are not only determined by economic policies but also influenced by a variety of other factors like changes in property values, stock market performance, savings rates, debt levels, and more.

Generally, the housing market has seen significant increases, as has the stock market. However, disparity remains, as not all Americans hold assets in the form of property or stocks. Regardless of individual situations, both the housing and stock markets performed better during Trump’s administration.

Americans are also discussing day-to-day costs and are vocal about their tax obligations under Biden's administration. There are common concerns about taxation fairness, particularly concerning churches that engage in political expression, mega-churches, and big corporations. By contrast, Trump was often touted as the president for deregulation and tax cuts, particularly with the 2017 tax reform which lowered corporate tax rates. However, critics argued this increased wealth disparity.

Household Net Worth

During Trump's presidency, some Americans expressed optimism about lower taxes and the benefits to business owners and wealthy investors. Trump’s promise to reduce taxes was welcomed by those who view it as an incentive for economic growth and personal wealth accumulation. Some commend wealthy business owners under Trump's leadership, acknowledging their roles in job creation and charity donations.

Under Biden's presidency, discussions around wealth have also centered on taxation but with a different tone. People express concerns about increased taxes and their impact on personal and corporate wealth. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among the wealthy and business owners who claim they are unfairly targeted by higher tax rates.

The discourse also includes those championing higher taxation for the rich as a means of wealth redistribution. Some argue the wealthy and corporations should pay more taxes to fund government projects and programs that benefit the wider populace.

Many American voters express views about illegal immigrants and their impact on the economy. Some support amnesty for illegal immigrants, arguing they could contribute more substantially to America's tax revenue, however a consistently growing number of Americans disagree.

This study of online conversations gives a sense of the current mood and concerns of Americans. Perspectives for Americans of their economy under Biden and Trump consider and reflect multiple factors, including consumer price index, household net worth, day-to-day living expenses, and taxes. Notably, former President Trump gives Americans more confidence in all aspects.

Former President Donald Trump’s rally in Las Vegas generated much buzz and social media discussion, including a 2-point increase in his lead against Joe Biden for the presidential election. MIG Reports analysis of voter reactions to the rally indicates a positive view of Trump’s appeal.

Discussion Trends

Many Americans are talking about the perceived faults of the Biden administration with hashtags like #BidenBorderCrisis, #BidenDementia, #Bidenomics, #bidenflation. They also voice criticism of Democrats more generally. Voters express a desire for Trump to provide solutions to these issues they view as caused by President Biden.

Title IX and girls' sports is also a trending topic. Following Trump's comments about women's sports at the rally, supporters are echoing his sentiment. They agree with the assertion that men should not participate in women's sports events.

Another notable discussion trend involves statements from Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Some on her side fear she could be jailed if Trump wins another term. These suggestions have led to a negative response from Trump supporters who view many AOC comments as overblown or who hold critical views of AOC herself.

Sentiment Trends

Voter sentiment toward Trump’s Las Vegas rally is largely positive toward the presumptive GOP nominee. Supporters express admiration for him, describing him as a "fighter," a "proven winner,” and a "leader." Negatively charged language mostly used against figures in the Democratic party such as Biden or Ocasio-Cortez.

Negative sentiment focuses on important problems in America for voters like the border crisis, economic worries, and alleged freedom of speech issues – all of which were discussed during Trump's rally.

Other points of discussion include:

Biden Administration Criticisms

• Negative sentiment toward Biden and Harris, particularly criticizing the action of their administration.
• The country's current state, Trump’s potential nickname for Biden, “Crooked Joe,” the legitimacy of Biden’s election win, and comparisons between Trump and Biden’s leadership.
• There is significant criticism towards Biden himself, focusing on his cognitive abilities, election legitimacy, and leadership performance. People use terms like "criminal" and "liar" when speaking about him.
• Kamala Harris also faces heavy criticism, with many attributing the administration's perceived failures to both her and Biden.
• Some Independents say they prefer Trump over Biden, despite not being strong Trump supporters.

Trump Supporter Reactions

• Voters express unity and strength with phrases like "MAGA STRONG" and appreciate the rally despite challenges like high temperatures.
• Negative online comments label Trump supporters as "gullible" and "duped" and refer to Trump as a "convict.” However, there is also a prevalent view that criticism of Trump was a coordinated effort by major liberal accounts.
• The most discussed subject from the rally was Trump's support for Nevada senate candidate Sam Brown, highlighted by his post on Truth Social.
• Positive sentiments were not just about support but also resistance against criticism and political targeting.

Economic Issues

• Many people are enthusiastic about Trump's pledge to eliminate taxes on tips, significant for service-industry-heavy cities like Las Vegas. Some voters are making comparisons between Trump's tax policies and those of other leaders like Reagan.
• Republicans and conservatives especially voice excitement about lower taxes under a second Trump administration.
• There is also negative sentiment targeted at the media, with accusations of the Vegas television media suppressing coverage of Trump's tax pledges.

With recent news that Trump sent vetting materials to several VP candidates, discussions have grown about potential VP picks for the Trump ticket. The top contenders mostly consist of expected names—largely those who have been considered among Republicans for months.

The Trump campaign has reportedly sent vice-presidential vetting paperwork to seven candidates, including Doug Burgum, Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, Tim Scott, Byron Donalds, Elise Stefanik, and Ben Carson. The MIG Reports exclusive VP tracker shows live support and approval analysis which recently suggest:

• Voter reactions show different levels of popularity and approval toward the various choices.
• While Vivek Ramaswamy is often mentioned as an unlikely choice, he remains popular among voters with a 30-day average of nearly 20%.
• Byron Donalds takes second place in voter popularity with a 30-day average of 8% support. He also has strong approval numbers and is among the rumored top choices.

What Republicans Are Saying About the Top Picks

Voters are reacting positively to news of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance being in the running. Some endorsed Vance, calling him an America-First choice. They believe he aligns with Trump's agenda and would be acceptable to most. On the other hand, several criticized him primarily for his initial dislike towards Trump and his variable political positions.

Tim Scott and Marco Rubio received mixed reactions. While some voters consider them to be MAGA choices, others label them as RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) and doubt their allegiance to the Trump administration. Some even expressed absolute disapproval of Rubio being considered for vice presidency.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is receiving relatively less attention. However, some say if Trump picks Burgum as his VP, it could indirectly give Bill Gates significant influence due to their close friendship. This generates disapproval since Gates is unpopular among many conservatives.

A recurring concern for many conservatives and MAGA voters is the prospect of having a RINO as Trump’s VP. They fear establishment candidates will not uphold true conservative values. Nikki Haley, although not officially in the running according to recent news, is repeatedly referenced as among these unfavorable RINO choices. Many say she would be even worse than Mike Pence in the eyes of MAGA supporters.

Byron Donalds

Many voters think Byron Donalds is a popular choice. However, he has sparked some strong backlash for his controversial comments on black America during the Jim Crow Era.

A Florida Congressman, Byron Donalds brings a conservative perspective and is one of the two African American Republicans in the House. However, some worry about his eligibility since he and Trump both reside in Florida. Donalds’ comments about “the Black family” during Jim Crow have been controversial and may alienate moderate voters. Republicans might find his admission and discussion of systemic racism to be problematic.

• Byron Donalds enjoys around 8% support, according to MIG Reports data. His approval is also strong, hovering near 50% and soaring above it at times in the last 30 days.

Marco Rubio

Views of Marco Rubio are divided, with some criticizing his allegiance to the Constitution and suggesting his ambition for power could be damaging. Yet, supporters think his background could attract Independent and moderate voters.

A junior senator from Florida, Rubio offers name recognition and experience from his 2016 presidential run. Republicans may appreciate his commitment to conservative principles on issues like tax and immigration. Moderates might appreciate his engagement on issues like climate change and higher education reform. Constitutional eligibility questions are a concern since both Rubio and Trump are residents of Florida.

• Rubio’s approval tends to vary widely, with dips down close to 30% and highs around 50%.

J.D. Vance

Despite his support with America-First voters, some people criticize Vance for his inconsistent loyalty towards Trump. Others are concerned that if Vance becomes VP, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine might appoint a RINO as his replacement.

Vance is the author of “Hillbilly Elegy” and brings an empathetic voice for the struggling working-class. His appeal is tested among Republicans, while his criticisms of Trump may resonate with moderates. Vance's lack of political experience may, however, be a hindrance.

• Vance has gained around 50% approval in the last few days, recovering from a dip to the low 40% range at the start of June.

Tim Scott

Tim Scott's vote against federal protections for contraception and his association with MAGA has earned him criticism from more moderate voters. Yet, some believe he could appeal to Independents better than some of the strong MAGA choices.

South Carolina Senator Scott is the only African American Republican in the Senate and is known for his work on criminal justice reform. This may appeal to moderate voters, although his endorsement of police reform could lead to push back from some conservatives.

• Scott struggled with approval at the start of June, but as news of his consideration increased, his approval increased back to nearly 50%.

Doug Burgum

A relative unknown as North Dakota's governor, some voters think Burgum would allow Trump to keep the spotlight on himself. His name in the running has not elicited any significantly negative reactions, though his VP credentials don't seem to stir up much enthusiasm either.

Burgum is a strong economic conservative with private sector experience as the former CEO of a software company. Republicans might appreciate his fiscally conservative approach and his governing experience, while moderates may be drawn to his reputation as a pragmatic rather than ideological leader.

• Burgum’s approval remains steadily around 50%, with a slight bump in recent days.

Elise Stefanik

Elise Stefanik did not generate as significant a volume of comments compared to others in contention. She also does not draw as strong of opposition as some other candidates, but she also doesn’t seem to have much momentum behind her.

A young Congresswoman from New York, Stefanik gained fame during the Trump impeachments. Her steadfast support for Trump may win her points with Republicans, but her combative style and strong alignment with Trump might turn off moderate voters.

• Stefanik’s approval can vary widely, fluctuating between 30-50% in the last 30 days.

Ben Carson

While some suggest Carson’s age might be a hindrance to a long-term role, many see him as a good candidate due to his loyalty to Trump and alignment with the America-First movement. Many also view his calm demeanor and intelligence as strengths.

Ben Carson, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has a strong association with the Trump administration and a deep-rooted connection with conservative Christian voters. His quiet demeanor may appeal to those seeking a lower profile candidate but his lack of political experience beyond the HUD role may be a negative for those seeking a seasoned political candidate.

• Carson typically sees strong approval percentages, staying largely above 50% in the last 30 days with a high of 59%.

Passing Mention Contenders

There is also speculation about a few dark horse candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Tulsi Gabbard, who some think could take up the America-First mantle. However, Gabbard's liberal background could deter many conservatives.

Tom Cotton is another notable contender. His right-leaning stances align with more conservative elements of the Republican base, but his alleged refusal to condemn threats of violence, puts him at odds with moderates who prioritize law and order. His attempts to secure a place on Trump's shortlist may also be viewed unfavorably by more traditionalist Republicans who disapprove of a perceived MAGA-centric approach.

This diverse field highlights the Trump campaign's attempt to appeal to various factions within the Republican Party and beyond, balancing ideological conservatives with potential candidates with moderate appeal. Given the early stage, it is likely the list may well evolve. Be sure to check in the MIG Reports exclusive VP tracker as the presidential campaign continues.

Based on AI-curated data and MIG Reports research, a clear front runner has yet to emerge for the Republican VP pick. Given the sentiments discussed in this report and developments in the political landscape, however, popularity may be gathering around Ben Carson, J.D. Vance, and Vivek Ramaswamy for the VP position.

A video went viral which claimed President Joe Biden may have soiled himself during the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in France. Other videos showed First Lady Jill Biden swiftly leading the president away while French President Macron thanked veterans.

MIG Reports analysis of social media commentary shows different interpretations of what Joe Biden was doing in the video, like many of his well-publicized gaffes. Most of the online speculation is based on unverified rumors and has not been officially confirmed or denied by any credible sources.

Because online discussion is so fractured, it's difficult to discern a majority consensus on whether people actually believe Biden experienced such an embarrassing mishap as incontinence. The political nature of conversations about president and his questionable cognition, as well as the overall mockery and humorous tones of social media make people’s true beliefs somewhat opaque.

Most Americans seem to believe the claim that Biden soiled his pants and take it as an opportunity to fuel political debate and criticisms. Many openly ridicule Biden with profane language and derisive commentary. Some Biden defenders dismiss the claim, but only citing their reasons as emphasizing more serious issues like the necessity to impeach Biden.

Despite rampant online memeing and speculations, no official denials have been made by White House officials.

Discussion and Sentiment Trends

There is an undeniable presence of derisive rhetoric from Biden's detractors. They use phrases like "poopy pants" and "filled his adult diaper" when talking about the video. Some insinuate Biden's inability to control bodily functions is evidence of weakness or mental decline.

On the other hand, some dismiss the accusations as baseless and criticize those who spread such rumors. They emphasize a lack of concrete evidence for the claim, pushing back against unfounded speculations. They emphasize other issues they believe should take precedence over personal ridicule, like impeachment inquiries and political wrongdoings.

Alternative Analysis

Some media outlets reported the incident as simply a momentary lapse in judgement. They say the president thought there was a chair behind him. Additional reporting from liberal blogs and op-eds crafted stories to shift away from the viral mockery, such as “Joe Biden Didn’t Poop Himself But These Celebs Did.” Other outlets had body language experts weigh in.

Overall distrust in liberal and mainstream media suggests Americans who believe Biden’s senior moment was more embarrassing than searching for a missing chair would not be swayed by media spin.

The Biden administration's mixed messages about cryptocurrencies have stirred confusion, dismay, and frustration among American crypto users. Many views depend on what people think about regulation in general, but some are worried about the inconsistency and potential negative impact the Biden administration’s uncertainty may have on the cryptocurrency market.

Earlier in May, a joint resolution to overturn SAB 121 gained enthusiastic bipartisan support in Congress, including from Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Cory Booker. This sea change among Democrats in Congress sparked speculations about a pivot on crypto from the Biden Administration. However, Biden followed through in his promise to veto the resolution to repeal SAB 121.

Crypto Voters Are Angry

Crypto-influenced voters are now annoyed by POTUS's reconfirmed hostility and waffling on crypto. Many assert that vetoing the resolution is a nonsensical move, as SAB 121 is neither approved nor GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). They see it as an unnecessary kick at the "cyber hornet's nest."

Voters demand action instead of mere posturing. And many who were skeptical of a true Biden pivot are now doubling down on their disapproval. Even Democratic voters who support the rest of Joe Biden’s platform are critical of his cryptocurrency policy. They say his lack of clarity is a hindrance to the development and adoption of crypto technologies.

People are also frustrated with the unclear messaging, saying that if Biden was hoping to court crypto voters, he’s doing an exceptionally poor job. Many in the crypto community are also discussing whether crypto voters as a demographic are a much larger group than the Biden White House anticipates. They say he could be severely hurting his already struggling presidential campaign by upsetting crypto holders.

The bipartisan engagement among members of the House and Senate creates a sharp contrast with Joe Biden’s anti-crypto stance. Figures like Democratic Rep. Mike Flood and Republican Senator Ted Cruz taking joining on pro-crypto issues gains them approval. Cruz's initiative for operating Bitcoin miners in Texas has gained him popularity in the crypto community.

• Biden’s approval on crypto is consistently lower than sentiment toward pro-crypto politicians – especially Donald Trump.
• While there is some fluctuation, Trump’s crypto approval trends similarly with overall crypto approval while Biden dipped from 52% to 45% the day before his veto.

Donald Trump is Successfully Courting the Crypto Crowd

While criticism continues toward Biden, another trending topic among American crypto voters

is a rumored discussion on crypto policy between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The news sparked controversy as some who dislike both men ridicule them, while others are hopeful a collaboration may lead to more pro-crypto policies.

Musk denied the rumors, saying he didn't discuss crypto policy with Trump. However, he expressed support for any initiative that moves power from government to the people, which he says includes crypto.

Regardless of whether the rumors are true, many are positive about Trump’s recent crypto support, hoping more discussions lead to more crypto-friendly. They’re especially hopeful if Trump returns to the White House.

Rumors about Trump’s potential crypto policies in general have sparked a flurry of conversations leading to speculation about the role crypto will play in Trump's election campaign. Those who are highly motivated by crypto say it is part of their livelihood and important enough to vote on in the presidential election.

Immediately following his widely controversial conviction in New York City, former president Donald Trump:

• Raised more than $200 million.
• Created a TikTok account and gained 4.1 million followers.
• Continued to climb in betting markets for the 2024 Presidential election.

Since the end of May, Polymarket odds show Trump above a 50% chance at the presidency, hitting 56% over the weekend.

MIG Reports analysis shows Trump’s conviction created a significant and increasing level of support from his followers, despite the legal troubles. This is evident from various voter groups emerging on social media demonstrating overwhelming support directly because of the verdict. It appears the conviction has served to galvanize his support base.

From posts on social media, many of his supporters view his conviction as a political move by Democrats to "get Trump.” This view is echoed across various posts and groups, framing the entire legal process as a leftist attempt to target Trump. Many compare the legal measures against Trump to a lack of action against other political figures on the left, further cementing the view of political bias in the justice system.

There is a suggestion that political attacks against Trump have made MAGA stronger, implying the adversity is energizing Americans against Democrats. A sense of being “on the attack” over the perceived victimization of Trump is overwhelming in online discussions, particularly in those referring to Trump as an outlaw and a strong American.

Many voters suggest the election in November will see Trump return as President, indicating an expectation of his perseverance. Many also reminisce about his leadership, wishing to see him back in office, despite the conviction. Many are also talking about the major influx in campaign contributions post-conviction, underscoring the financial support backing him.

There are some posts critical of Trump and his supporters, describing his followers as a cult, decrying the narrative that he is a victim. Many among the opposition take every opportunity to refer to him as a convicted felon. It appears, however, that these criticisms are outweighed by the volume of support shown for Trump in the aftermath of the conviction.

With a bombshell guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump’s New York trial, voter discussions emerged around preventing Trump from becoming the GOP nominee. Some prominent voices promoting this idea include:

Today's verdict is a fire-bell in the night. The Republican Party now has one last chance to change course, and not nominate a convicted felon for President.

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) May 30, 2024

It is not easy to see a former President and the presumptive GOP nominee convicted of felony crimes; but the jury verdict should be respected. An appeal is in order but let’s not diminish the significance of this verdict.

— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) May 30, 2024

There are also numerous other non-public social media profiles discuss installing previous primary candidates such as Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy.

MIG Reports analysis shows discussion of possibility of the Republican National Convention becoming a brokered convention or the Republican National Committee selecting a candidate other than Trump. Sentiment is primarily against the Democratic Party, with some comparing the party to a communist or socialist regime and voicing concerns that it is damaging the country.

Most voters express strong disagreement with the idea of the Republican National Committee choosing a different candidate. This suggests a strong loyalty to Trump among much of the Republican base. This potency of commitment suggests any decision to field an alternate candidate could result in substantial backlash or fracturing within the party.

There is also significant fear that the USA is turning into a "communist state," with people pointing out real or perceived similarities between the current Democratic Party strategies and historical actions of communist regimes. Some also mention a Republican Party which they fear harbors anti-Trump sentiment. Deviations from the Trump-led mainstream in the Republican party are also characterized as betrayals.

There are frequent mentions of the 2020 election being stolen and calls for direct action to "take America back." Voters repeatedly compare the current Democratic Party’s actions to the Nazi party under Adolf Hitler, particularly in relation to alleged suppression of free speech.

It is evident that emotions around this conversation are severe, with deep conviction among many inside and outside the GOP.

Swing States

Pro-Trump supporters are aggressive in their response, expressing deep loyalty to the former president and declaring their continued support. They portray Trump as a selfless patriot who risks his personal status and wealth for the sake of the American people. Their posts and hashtags, like #Trump2024, #MAGA, #MakeAmericaGreatAgain, suggest they see a future for Trump in leadership. They view any wrongdoing alleged against Trump as part of a witch hunt, orchestrated by liberal courts and the media, drawing on rhetoric used by Trump himself. They express disdain for Republican politicians who wish to distance themselves from Trump, accusing them of aligning with Democrats and having a secret agenda.

Supporters also voice concerns about the perceived erosion of American government and governance, accusing the state and its institutions of moving towards communism. For them, any attempt to sideline or convict Trump is seen as an attack on the American people's will and the constitution. Many suggest there will be a surge in Trump's popularity and predict backlash in upcoming elections.

Critics of Trump are pleased with the prospect of the Republican National Committee selecting an alternative candidate. They argue justice is being served with the charges against him. They do not sympathize with the narrative presented by his supporters, and instead, view Trump as a threat to democracy.

Despite the differences, there is a common narrative of the situation as a moment of crisis for the American republic - either through alleged political persecution and suppression or through the potential re-emergence of a figure they see as an ideological threat. Ultimately, the comments underscore the deep divides within the American political landscape.