Can a Convicted Criminal Run for President? Experts Weigh In
The latest news on former President Donald Trump’s potential appearance on the ballot despite ongoing criminal trials has sparked controversy and debate among legal experts. According to U.S. law experts, Trump can still run for president even if found guilty in the current criminal hush money trial in New York or other pending criminal cases.
USA TODAY spoke with law experts, including Professor Paul Campos and Professor Martin Katz, who both confirmed that the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit a convicted criminal from becoming president. Katz explained that the Constitution sets out specific qualifications for presidential candidates, and as long as those qualifications are met, states cannot impose additional requirements.
In light of this information, the question arises: should voters support a candidate with a criminal record? Election Law Professor Doug Spencer raised this concern, urging voters to consider the implications of electing a felon to lead the country. Despite the potential outcome of Trump’s trial, he remains the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and his name is expected to appear on the ballot in the upcoming election.
As the debate continues, voters are encouraged to weigh the implications of electing a candidate with a criminal history and consider the importance of choosing law-abiding citizens to lead the country. The decision ultimately lies in the hands of the voters as they prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming election.
