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.
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.
After a New York Times article speculating Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito revealed sympathy for January 6 protesters with an upside-down flag at his home, liberals are calling for his recusal. Amid escalating political turmoil and wavering trust in the justice system, partisan arguments are breaking out between the left and the right.
Reactions to the media reporting and Democrat calls for recusal can primarily be divided along political lines. Those who support Democrats argue Alito's actions have demonstrated bias and breach of conduct. Republicans and those on the right label the recusal outcry as a politically motivated on conservative Justices.
Liberal Outcry Against Justice Alito
Left leaning voters tend to see the call for Alito’s recusal as entirely justified. They cite a belief in his partisan bias and claim he involves himself in political activities outside of his judicial duties. They argue for the necessity of maintaining impartiality and integrity in the judiciary, calling for transparency and accountability from judges. They also voice concern about the potential corruption of the judicial system, applying this fear specifically to Alito.
Mainstream media outlets and Democrats insist Alito’s refusal to recuse himself brings up concerns of fairness. They accuse his wife of sympathizing with January 6 protests by her flag choices, citing this as a violation of judicial ethics.
Conservative Reactions to the Idea of Alito’s Recusal
Most right leaning Americans take umbrage at the idea that Justice Alito should recuse himself for an unfounded rumor which they consider a nonstory. Republicans are more likely to see Democrat arguments as part of a larger-scale effort to control and manipulate judicial systems to their advantage.
Those on the right view accusations against Justice Alito as an attempt to undermine the balance of power on a Supreme Court with a conservative majority. There are also vocal questions and accusations about Democrats’ political motivations in attacking Alito.
Conservatives argue calls for Alito’s recusal are highly hypocritical when contrasted with Democrat reactions to judges like Arthur Engoron or Juan Merchan – who both side with Democrats in their judicial decisions.
Double Standards Applied to Conservatives
Critics who oppose Alito’s recusal highlight Democrat hypocrisy. They point to alleged ethical violations by liberal judges such as Judge Merchan, which Democrats dismiss as inconsequential.
Those on the left claim to seek a stronger ethical code and accountability in the judiciary for figures like Justice Alito. However, many point to this as an outrageous inconsistency that is exclusively applied to conservatives.
Accusations of double standards are especially stark as voters on all sides voice concern with the allegations against Judge Merchan. Many are calling for thorough investigations into connections with his daughter and her financial dealings regarding Trump’s recent New York trial.
However, conversations about Judge Merchan have not generated the same amount of outcry as Justice Alito's controversy. Some critics perceive this as a display of political bias against conservatives by the media and Democrats. They accuse both of overlooking and under reporting ethical violations from liberal judges and becoming hysterical about benign issues like the flag choices at the Alito home.
Social media, online, and news commentary exploded following former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict on 34 felony counts in a New York court. Discussions reveal there is an overwhelming expression of anger, disbelief, and skepticism among the American people.
What Voters Are Saying
The most discussion activity appears to be among politically engaged adult Americans, with more representation from Trump's critics. This group celebrate the conviction and point out the irony of Trump's supporters attempting to impeach Biden when Trump himself was impeached twice during his presidency.
Trump supporters are vehement in their accusations of election tampering and a rigged jury. Many also double down on their belief that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. This shows a consistent pattern of distrust and skepticism about the legal and electoral process.
Other markers of outrage emerge economically, as Trump’s campaign raised $34.8 million in 24 hours. The rush of support also caused the WinRed donation website to crash. The unprecedented donations were exclusively from small-dollar donations, which range from $1 - $200.
Vitriol Against the Biden Administration
Trump’s supporters are turning the conversation to discredit Biden and his administration. They mention Biden’s impeachment—or lack thereof—as a primary grievance. Many use harsh words and phrases like "Joe Biden must be impeached now," "treason," and "destroying our country."
These voters also accuse Biden and his government of numerous scandals, including criminal behavior. A recurring theme reveals disapproval of Biden's past actions, with some referring to allegations of Biden using racial slurs and promoting segregation during his time in Congress. This group is capitalizing on Trump's guilty verdict to further their negative sentiments about Biden.
Support for Joe Biden took a significant hit after Trump’s conviction on Thursday as many Americans accuse Democrats of weaponizing the justice system.
Another dominant theme in conversations shows people agreeing that, even though Trump was found guilty, he is and will continue receiving massive waves of support. Many are hopeful the scandalous news will bring attention to the nation's current political and social climate.
The overall sentiment of these trends is highly polarized. While Trump's critics remain largely critical and scathing in their commentary, his supporters show a mixture of outrage at his treatment, disbelief, defiance, and hope for a political reversal. Despite the verdict, the polarized sentiments suggest Trump's influence on the political discourse remains strong.
Fears of possible armed conflict between China and Taiwan is growing as Americans see this as an eventuality more than a possibility. Ongoing tensions between these two nations have escalated in recent years, and Americans are alarmed by China's increasingly aggressive stance. This is primarily shaped by China's assertive moves and geopolitical strategies.
More Americans are beginning to fear a world war involving several major world powers. People speculate the hypothetical conflict would incorporate various global flashpoints like Ukraine-Russia, North Korea-South Korea, Iran-Israel, and China-Taiwan tension. These fears often come with an embellished grand narrative of worldwide struggle.
When people talk about trust in leadership for handling these international conflicts, there are differing levels of support and approval for Trump versus Biden. Some worry that Trump’s posture of strength would likely escalate conflicts. But there is also criticism of Biden's administration being too gentle or indecisive against growing Chinese aggression.
There are differing viewpoints on whether U.S. involvement in various international issues would exacerbate or ease potential conflicts. Some say the U.S. should reduce its international interventions and others argue for upholding our responsibilities as a global superpower.
Increasing skepticism towards international involvement leads some Americans to advocate for the U.S. “minding its own business.” This suggests a growing disapproval of overseas engagements and a preference for focusing on domestic matters.
The growing number of conflicts and increasing levels of intensity in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars seem to deepen negative sentiment towards foreign involvement. It is likely Americans consider current wars when discussing the odds of a China-Taiwan war under the Biden administration.
Future Trepidation About International Conflict
A potential China-Taiwan armed conflict seems increasingly likely to Americans who are tracking tensions around the world. Many discussions identify China's consistent military warning signs to Taiwan and U.S. support for the latter as signifying danger.
This sentiment is exacerbated the current geopolitical relationships between various power blocs including the U.S., Russia, China, Iran, Israel, and North Korea. Many Americans express growing concern about the U.S. military's capacity to contain intensifying global tensions concurrently.
An America-First stance versus globalism remains a topic of polarizing debate among American voters. Some prefer America to focus on its own interests and refrain from intervening in other countries' affairs. This America-First coalition is often vocal about avoiding conflict.
Others insist the U.S. plays a crucial role on the global stance and has responsibility in maintaining peace and democracy. These more globalist ideals still hold significant weight among many voters.
In this complex discussion, the overarching theme suggests a deep concern about escalating global tensions. There is an ongoing debate about whether the U.S. should adopt a more isolationist or America-First foreign policy or uphold its traditional role as a global peacekeeper.
Robert De Niro recently gained attention for an angry screed against former President Donald Trump in New York City. His comments, which included insisting that if America re-elects Trump, he will never leave office, drew heckles and boos from passing New Yorkers.
DeNiro losing it as someone starts honking their car horn over and over as he tries to say voting for Biden is how we fix America pic.twitter.com/kTSfnvexCg
De Niro then got into a yelling match with his hecklers, calling them gangsters. Video of the event online caused partisan discussion about Trump, De Niro, and celebrities using their influence for politics.
It’s embarrassing that even Vito Corleone AKA De Niro can’t win New Yorkers over.
— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) May 29, 2024
Right Leaning and Cringe-Sensitive Americans React
Mentions of De Niro online are mostly partisan, with left leaning commenters supporting him and right leaning voters ridiculing him. There are also less politically inclined Americans who simply view De Niro’s speech as a cringeworthy display by another actor desperate for attention.
Many voters perceive De Niro’s claims that Trump has dictatorial tendencies as unfounded and fantastical. People mock De Niro’s accusations of Trump wanting to "take our country down the black hole of dictatorship" and terminate the U.S. Constitution.
People are also discussing his integrations with hecklers during the political event, but reactions are similarly politically slanted. Some mention De Niro as falling from grace, calling him a "has been" who struggles with anger and TDS (Trump derangement syndrome).
Even with criticism from De Niro and his leftist counterparts, Trump’s approval remains steady with sentiment towards him on the topic of president consistently at 50%.
Liberal Trump Haters
Democratic voters and anti-Trumpers compare Trump unfavorably with Robert De Niro. They say De Niro, unlike Trump, paid his taxes and has contributed positively to New York City. They express a belief that Trump has played a role in deteriorating conditions in New York. They cite issues like rising crime and high taxes, criticizing Trump for his impact in exacerbating both.
Many liberals also agree with suggestions that Trump has demonstrated dictatorial tendencies. This seems to be a common belief among those who oppose Trump – and many view the gravity of the 2024 election as democracy hanging in the balance. This group regularly accuses Trump of intending to act like a dictator if he were to regain power.
Anti-Trumpers also raise concerns about his alleged intentions to punish political opponents. They frequently draw comparisons between him and historical dictators like Hitler. Some comment multiple times on these points.
Views of Celebrity Influence in Politics
De Niro, like many left leaning celebrities, is known for his outspoken political viewpoints. He frequently speaks up about the need for gun control and other Democratic platform issues like climate change.
The ongoing tendency for celebrities to insert themselves into political commentary is increasingly a point of annoyance for many Americans. Reactions often convey strong negative feelings towards woke culture and left-wing commentary imposed by entertainers and mainstream media.
Some also point out that, while Democrats and the left have long been seen as having more star power and cultural influence, trotting out celebrities like Robert De Niro and Mark Hamillwhose popularity is waning, may a sign of decreasing cultural cachet.
General patterns of American views about celebrity political activism include:
Partisan Responses: Some voters warmly embrace celebrity viewpoints if they align with their own political beliefs.
Disregard for Celebrity Opinions: Most people seem to believe celebrities lack the requisite knowledge or expertise to offer valid commentary on complex political issues.
Irrelevant Voices: People see celebrities as out-of-touch with the realities of ordinary citizens and therefore dismiss their perspectives as irrelevant.
Annoyance: There is also hostility towards celebrities who use their fame to promote political agendas. This attitude is often expressed with strong negative language.
Supporting Free Speech: Some express the belief that celebrities, like any other citizens, have the right to voice their political views, even if they disagree with these views.
Conspiracy and Distrust: Other trends indicate a broader mistrust in mainstream media and celebrity clout. Many view celebrity commentary as part of a larger, orchestrated propaganda agenda.
MIG Reports analyzed recent approval of Democratic voters toward President Joe Biden and their current views of the Democratic party. While some voters show support and approval of Biden's performance as president, many Democrats express disapproval or downright hostility towards Biden and his administration.
A perceived lack of transparency and honesty from his administration
There's a noticeable discontent with Biden's stance on border control, which some believe is leading to a crisis. Some Democratic voters accuse Biden of being supporting illegal immigrants more than U.S. citizens.
Economic concerns are also prominent, with frustrations centered on rising prices and perceived fiscal irresponsibility. Furthermore, there are negative sentiments about Biden's honesty and transparency, with many suggesting dealings involving his son, Hunter, were covered up.
MIG Reports has also extensively covered the growing divide among Democrats and progressives over Israel. Campus protests, “Uncommitted” votes, and defiance from his own party members like the progressive Squad indicate deep fractures within the party.
Despite significant negativity towards Biden, no other Democrat candidate is emerging as a preferable choice for voters. This suggests an increasing need for new leadership figures within the Democratic party. Voters calling for Biden's impeachment and using derogatory language suggest a significant division and hostility from some quarters.
Among the few supportive voices, there are mentions of Biden's perceived accomplishments and desire to challenge Republican hypocrisy. However, these views are noticeably outnumbered.
Overall, sentiment trends suggest dissatisfaction among many Democrats towards President Joe Biden for a variety of reasons. There is a possibility that AI-compiled data may be more likely to gather politically engaged or partisan viewpoints than those of average citizens. However, among vocal Democrats, the sentiments appear strong, indicating a likely similarity among less vocal party members.
The second day of jury deliberations in former President Donald Trump’s trial in New York City brings the trial closer to an end. The case involves 34 charges of falsifying business records during the 2016 presidential election. Judge Juan Mercan has instructed the jury and, while they have yet to reach a verdict, Americans are watching the trial unfold with interest.
MIG Reports analysis studied recent online discussion and sentiment trends about the trial. Based on public posts, it seems many Americans – including legal experts – are struggling to gain a clear understanding of what the trial is about. State felony criminal charges of falsifying business records with respect to specific invoices, vouchers, and checks, on which the case pivots, are overly complex for many voters. None of the online discussion provides detailed explanations of these charges or the specifics of the case. Instead, conversation focuses on broader political narratives and accusations of corruption.
The lack of depth in discussion suggests people are less engaged with the actual content of the trial, and more reactive to media narratives about it. Most of the discussion around this trial revolves around three key points of contention.
Discussion Trends
Accusations of Corruption and Bias
Many voters mention their belief that the New York Trump trial is rife with corruption and political bias. For example, there are repeated references to perceived bias by Judge Juan Merchan. People believe he has been making unfair rulings and that he is acting corruptly. There are claims he is part of a wider conspiracy to politically prosecute Trump, with some suggesting the entire American justice system is now corrupted.
Trump's Guilt or Innocence
Two major narratives emerge with respect to Trump's guilt or innocence. Some are vehement that Trump is guilty, arguing the evidence is compelling. However, a large portion of observers suspect Trump is innocent, positioning him as the victim of a witch-hunt. The theme of Trump's innocence amid a corrupt system that is politically targeting him seems most prevalent.
Political Persecution
There are strong suggestions the trial is politically motivated and seeking to discredit or undermine Trump and the Republican Party. Those who discuss this believe Democrats have weaponized the justice system for their own purposes. They say Trump’s trial is a symptom of a broader social corruption and potentially threatening to any American citizen.
Sentiment Trends
Emotional Drivers
Many voters express anxiety and anger about perceived biases within the justice system. These individuals see Trump as being unjustly persecuted. They feel the charges brought against him are overly politicized.
Others voice disgust at what they perceive to be corruption within the judicial system. They assert that Judge Merchan and the prosecutors are not impartial and are engaging in egregious misconduct that should be investigated.
There is also anger and frustration from those who insist Trump is guilty of the charges brought against him. They express their faith and hope in the justice system along with their desire for a conviction.
Demographic Patterns
There are no specific geographic patterns, which suggests national interest in the case is relatively consistent. However, political alignment plays an important role. Those who support Trump — likely staunch Republicans and MAGA voters — demonstrate a high level of skepticism and discontent with the trial. Those who support the trial proceedings are likely to be Democrats or anti-Trump voters.
Sentiment Trends
Overall, most voters seem to lean more towards negative reactions fueled by fear of corruption, perceived bias, and lack of trust in the legal framework. Any positive sentiments are submerged in the negative discourse, but mostly revolve around faith in the justice system and the prospect of Trump's conviction.
Recent reports of increasing credit card debt and delinquencies are indicative of continuing economic hardships for Americans. Debts are reaching higher highs in quarterly reporting for both Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Specifically, delinquency is increasing for maxed‑out borrowers. There’s a feeling of unavoidability towards debt in MIG Reports data, which also shows increased discussions over time with a decrease in sentiment.
On the topic of personal finances, which includes credit card debt and late payments, there are numerous viewpoint trends and demographic patterns.
What Americans Are Saying
Discussion trends mainly orbit around the surge in prices, especially for consumer goods like food and fuel. Most Americans say these significantly contribute to their financial distress. Inflation realities, rising housing prices, and cost of living are prominent in these discussions.
Terms like “inflation” and “corporate greed” frequently appear in voter discussions, indicating dissatisfaction with the current economic situation under Biden’s administration.
General sentiment within these discussions leans negative. Most people express frustration, anxiety, and dismay over rising costs. They also decry the lack action by corporations and the president.
A noteworthy pattern across multiple discussions is the relationship between price rises and political leadership. Many voters routinely blame the political establishment for their financial woes – especially the current administration. However, a very vocal segment of voters denies any correlation between the two.
Demographic Trends
Rising costs and financial struggles are a common conversation across age groups and socioeconomic status. Detailed nuances between demographic patterns aren't explicitly clear from the data. However, recurring references to Joe Biden and swing states, suggest a potential geographic pattern of swing state voters feeling a greater impact from rising prices.
There are many mentions of credit card debt rising, indicating Americans’ increasing reliance on credit to manage their expenses. Late payments on car loans, rent, or mortgages, indicate increased financial distress for many demographic groups.
Those in lower-income brackets or in precarious work situations might be hit harder by the rising costs of essential items like food and energy. Similarly, demographics living in areas where housing prices are falling, amid an inflationary economy, may find themselves struggling with contradictory economic pressures more than their counterparts in other states.
Consumers sometimes blame corporate greed for price hikes, linking increased profit margins for large supermarkets to inflation. This is also a talking point frequently presented by the Biden administration, suggesting voters should place more blame on corporations than on politicians. Others feel increased prices are a result of improved quality, indicating a split in sentiment regarding the cost of goods.
Amid former president Trump’s visit to the Libertarian National Convention and Chase Oliver’s subsequent nomination, discussions about Libertarian Party immigration platforms emerge.
Libertarian policies, which emphasize open borders and free movement across countries, get mixed reception from both conservative and libertarian voters. Conservatives are quick to point out immigration as a point of deep disagreement between themselves and libertarians – typically overlapping ideologically on other issues.
Many conservatives on X are pointing out that Oliver’s Libertarian platform aligns more closely with Biden’s open borders. This has also sparked discussions about how broadly aligned Republicans, and even Trump himself, are with Libertarians.
Libertarians and Immigration
Libertarians, true to their philosophical principles, usually advocate for less government intervention across the board. This includes freer migration policies influenced by a belief in the free market and individual rights – or more simply, open borders. They often view ideas like a border wall as an imprudent use of tax dollars. They say government intervention at the border is contrary to their overall philosophy.
This group also argues free labor movement is beneficial to the economy and individual liberty, rather than hurtful to American sovereignty. However, not all libertarians agree with this perspective. Some express skepticism about completely open borders, particularly in terms of security and preserving the nation's cultural and social fabric.
Many voters view Chase Oliver’s platform as advocating open borders based on freedom and prosperity. Some Libertarians envision a world where people are free to move and seek opportunities anywhere in the world. They often highlight the historic role immigrants played in fueling American innovation and economic growth. They assert fears of economic and cultural displacement are both misplaced and overstated.
Conservative Views of Libertarian Borders
Right leaning and conservative voters, especially under the current administration, widely disagree with Libertarian immigration policies. They tend to view border security and stopping migrant entries into the U.S. as extremely important.
Conservatives are more likely to support building a wall and deporting illegal immigrants. This view is underpinned by their emphasis on national security and protecting jobs and resources. This group also attributes illegal immigration as a major contributor to issues like crime and economic hardship.
Republicans and conservatives regularly cite border security, economic impact, rule of law, and national identity as top issues. They sometimes accuse the Libertarian Party of supporting lawlessness by advocating for open borders. They are also more likely to criticize Libertarians for having minimal support and political impact.
Some point to polling reports by outlets like Axios and Reuters/Ipsos identifying more than 50% of Americans – including Democrats – support mass deportations.
56% of US registered voters support deporting most or all immigrants living in the country illegally, Reuters/Ipsos poll has found.
Donald Trump’s comments at the Libertarian National Convention also sparked discussion about the impact of the party. MAGA and conservatives who attended or viewed Trump’s remarks largely embraced what he said.
Trump supporters view his American-first immigration policies as safeguarding American values, jobs, and security. Despite the policy disagreements with Libertarians, they saw Trump's willingness to engage Libertarians as a true reflection of his assertive leadership style and an attempt to create unity on the right.
As for Trump himself, amid taunts and jeers from the crowd, he told Libertarians, "Maybe you don't want to win,” adding, “Keep getting your 3% every four years,” roasting the unruly audience.
Some argue Trump’s comments are accurate – especially with Libertarian policies like open borders becoming increasingly unpopular.
Trump just showed up to the Libertarian Party Convention, told libertarians "Maybe you don't want to win ... keep getting your 3 percent every four years,” then left.