The recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS provides insights into public sentiment surrounding former President Donald Trump's criminal trial. Only 13% of respondents believe that Trump is being treated fairly, with a significant portion feeling he is being treated either more harshly or more leniently than other defendants. Confidence in a fair verdict post-jury selection is at 44%, while 56% are skeptical of a fair outcome.
Opinions on Trump's behavior during the trial also vary, with 42% finding it inappropriate, 25% considering it appropriate, and a third remaining undecided due to a lack of information. Interestingly, a growing number of Americans (45% compared to 39% last summer) now believe that the charges related to Trump's alleged falsification of business records to hide payments to Stormy Daniels are irrelevant to his presidential fitness.
The poll also highlights that a significant portion of voters who support Trump in the 2024 election against President Joe Biden are loyal, with 75% indicating they would remain loyal even if he is convicted of a crime. However, 24% suggest that a conviction could prompt them to reconsider their support. Trump is currently facing charges in four separate cases, with about 12% of registered voters open to reassessing their stance, which could be crucial in a close race if he is convicted before Election Day.
The survey reveals that characteristics of Trump supporters open to reconsideration differ from those who are not. This group tends to skew younger, more racially diverse, and were more likely to have voted for Biden in 2020. They also lean towards acknowledging Biden's legitimate victory, tend to be independents, and are ideologically moderate. Views on the relevance of the charges against Trump to his fitness for office are evolving, with slightly more people considering charges related to election interference and classified documents as irrelevant if proven true. Additionally, while the majority of Americans believe Trump has acted unethically during the trial, a significant portion view his actions as unethical but not necessarily illegal.