Former President Donald Trump is expected to return to Washington, DC, for a significant court date in response to historic charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The charges are related to alleged schemes to undermine President Joe Biden’s victory and his actions following the mob attack on the US Capitol.

This hearing marks another twist in the extraordinary saga surrounding Trump, who is a potential frontrunner for a major party nomination in the 2024 elections and has been indicted in three separate criminal probes.

The legal process seeks to hold him accountable for the worst attack on democracy in modern times.

While many of Trump’s supporters have already faced trial for their roles in disrupting the certification of the election, this hearing represents a somber moment in American history as it is the first time a former president is facing such charges.

Presidential campaign

However, despite the legal proceedings, it is unlikely to bring about a national catharsis.

Trump’s trial is occurring amidst an ongoing presidential campaign, and he continues to portray himself as a victim of political persecution, rallying his followers. Additionally, most of the Republican Party is closing ranks around him, and many of his supporters still believe he won the 2020 election, despite evidence to the contrary.

While prosecuting a former president has significant political implications, failing to address such assaults on the political system would raise questions about the health of democracy.

The gravity of the previous election and the political consequences affecting the current one highlight the importance of using the legal system to address these issues.