John Bolton, the national security adviser, weighed in on jury deliberations in former President Trump’s criminal case to silence money on Wednesday, saying a guilty verdict would not be a “good look” for Trump’s chances of court independent voters.
“I don’t think a conviction, even in a Manhattan court, will help anyone. He will still potentially be a convicted felon at that point.” Bolton said CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “I think a lot of independent voters might say, ‘This is the end for us.’”
Bolton went on to say that a guilty verdict, which would make Trump the first former US president to be convicted, would galvanize his fan base, but “it’s not a good look to be convicted under any circumstances.”
The jury began its second day of deliberations on Thursday. A verdict could come at any time.
According to a recent poll, more than two-thirds of voters believe that a guilty verdict for Trump would have no impact on their vote. Sixty-seven percent say a guilty verdict would not affect their vote, while 17 percent said they would be less likely to vote for the former president.
Trump must remain in the courtroom while the jury deliberates, as he and his team may be needed throughout the proceedings, or a verdict may be reached.
Bolton said he thinks Trump is “crazy” waiting there because it is “disheartening for everyone.” He argued that Trump is likely preparing for any decision that might be made.
“The difference between this and other previous Trump cases that have threatened him and his future is that this time he is in the middle of an election campaign,” he said. “So he has a specific target. And that’s Joe Biden.”
Bolton said his campaign is trying to keep Trump’s “eyes on the prize,” which is defeating Biden in this fall’s general election.
In his opinion, Bolton said he believes the outcome of the trial will be a hung jury, but a conviction “is possible.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
