Donald Trump is now the first American president convicted of a crime. The smooth trial process shows — independent of the outcome — that the U.S. justice system can still work, even with a powerful defendant.
But full accountability seems far off. The federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have stalled Trump’s prosecution for trying to overthrow the 2020 election and for misuse of classified documents and obstruction of justice. His defense in the hush-money trial, including accusations of lies and political motivations, could serve as a blueprint in Trump’s other cases. As loud voices compete to undermine trust in the criminal prosecution of a former president, this moment calls for expert interpretation and explanation.
Join the Brennan Center for Justice virtually on Monday, June 3, at 3 p.m. to hear leading authorities discuss the trial’s outcome and its implications.
Speakers:
- Paul Butler, Albert Brick Professor in Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Legal Analyst, MSNBC
- Joyce Vance, Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama; Distinguished Professor of the Practice of Law, University of Alabama School of Law; Legal Analyst, MSNBC; Senior Fellow, Brennan Center
- Michael Waldman, President and CEO, Brennan Center
- Moderator: Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Senior Director, Justice Program, Brennan Center
