“If he had to go to a debate against Biden, he probably could go” Donald Trump’s Lifestyle Hangs in Balance as Jury Deliberates in Criminal Trial

As the jury deliberates in former President Donald Trump’s inaugural criminal trial, the potential outcomes could significantly alter his lifestyle, especially if found guilty. Despite facing 34 felony charges, the class E felonies do not mandatorily require prison time, presenting a unique scenario for Trump, who is a first-time offender in this case.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has even mentioned that a section of the city’s Rikers Island jail is being prepped for Trump should he need to be incarcerated. However, Justice Juan Merchan might opt for alternatives like probation or home confinement instead of prison time. These alternatives would still heavily restrict Trump’s movements, which could complicate his campaign efforts as he seeks a second presidential term.

He would need approval for any out-of-state travel if under probation, and home confinement would restrict him to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Matthew Galluzzo, a former Manhattan District Attorney’s Office prosecutor, remarked to the Washington Post that managing a presidential campaign under probation would be “super awkward but not impossible.” Under home confinement, Trump might have to resort to virtual campaign rallies and meetings, a stark contrast to traditional campaigning methods, as per reports The Washington Post.

“If you have a probation officer, you are not supposed to travel without permission. Your home is subject to random search because you don’t have a Fourth Amendment right to your home being private. You can get drug-tested, potentially. Travel outside the country is difficult,” he said. “If he had to go to a debate against [President Joe] Biden, he probably could go, but you’re supposed to make that request far in advance.”

Even more intriguing is the fact that, constitutionally, Trump could still serve as president if elected, regardless of incarceration. However, as a resident of Florida, state law would prevent him from voting for himself unless all terms of his sentence, including restitution, are fully served.

If sentenced to probation, Trump would require permission from his probation officer for significant campaign events, including upcoming debates with President Joe Biden scheduled for June 27 in Atlanta, Georgia, and another in September with a location yet to be confirmed.

This ongoing legal saga highlights the unprecedented nature of Trump’s situation as he navigates both the judicial system and a presidential campaign. As the jury moves towards a verdict, the possibility of an appeal looms, potentially extending legal proceedings beyond the November election. This complex scenario underscores the intertwining of legal challenges and electoral politics in what is shaping up to be a highly contentious campaign season.