When the first criminal case against a former U.S. president begins, 13% of people nationwide feel that Donald Trump is being treated the same as other criminal defendants. CNN poll powered by SSRS.
Much of the country was split on whether he was treated more harshly (34%) or more leniently (34%) than other defendants.
The poll, which began rolling out days after the jury selection phase of the trial began on April 15, found that only 44% of Americans believe the jury selected for the case will reach a fair verdict, while 56% are skeptical. A fair result is on the cards. Trump's behavior during the hearing was seen as more inappropriate (42%) than appropriate (25%), with a third saying he didn't listen as much as he said.
The assessments of how things are playing out in the courtroom come as Americans mount accusations in an ongoing investigation into falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. That's irrelevant to his qualifications for the presidency (45% approve, compared to 39% last summer, before he was nominated as the Republican presidential nominee).
Three-quarters of voters who currently support Trump against President Joe Biden in the 2024 election say they would stick with him even if he were convicted of a crime, while 24% of Trump's supporters say a conviction might reconsider their support.
Read more about the poll here
