It’s a familiar scene for countless individuals: rise from bed, complete their morning rituals, migrate to the living room, settle onto the sofa, and flick on the news channel.

The ongoing Trump trial has seized control of television networks nationwide since the Department of Justice commenced legal action against him subsequent to his loss in the 2020 reelection bid.

As an immigrant who has proudly become an American citizen, I’ve remained steadfast in upholding the solemn oath I took. I pledged to abide by the laws of the United States and its constitution, and this commitment resonates deeply with me. I hold a strong sense of duty to understand and adhere to these laws. Through my actions, I strive to integrate thoughtful consideration, heartfelt dedication, and meticulous care in fulfilling the promises I made upon becoming a citizen.

At present, the foremost concern among people in the U.S. revolves around the impending national elections slated for November 2024. True to democratic principles, citizens will cast their votes to determine the next President. Incumbent Joe Biden is seeking a second term, while former President Trump has also entered the race, aiming to reclaim the position he lost in the 2020 election. Despite Trump’s assertions, ample evidence supports the fairness of the preceding election. His persistent denial of this reality has precipitated significant repercussions, including legal challenges and the looming specter of imprisonment.

Thus far, he has faced one conviction in a New York civil court, amid a multitude of cases spread across diverse subject matters and jurisdictions nationwide. Staying informed about the progress of his numerous legal disputes has become a formidable challenge, demanding meticulous attention to follow the intricacies and observe how the courts are addressing them.

The individual frequently in the spotlight is often linked with the term “shenanigan,” connoting deceptive or underhanded conduct. This perception was further solidified during a trial when a newspaper publisher detailed their dubious actions. Such characterization was emphasized by an accomplice, the publisher of a widely recognized tabloid-style newspaper, whose revealing testimony during the hush-money trial in a New York criminal court starkly illustrated this behavior.

Why should one devote time to staying abreast of the daily news concerning this individual? Yet, upon reflection and sincere contemplation, one realizes there are abundant reasons to remain attentive and engaged. The stakes are high, and the repercussions significant. Undoubtedly, it is crucial to harbor deep concern, as all freedom-loving citizens of America and the global community must be.

The significance of this election lies in preserving the form of government that has upheld the laws and institutions governing the land and its people for over two centuries. This very framework has drawn countless individuals from around the globe to America, irrespective of wealth. In the United States, people have the opportunity to lead fulfilling and peaceful lives, thanks to the democratic institutions that safeguard such freedoms. Through the utilization of their talents and diligent efforts, individuals can pursue their personal capabilities, achieving productive outcomes for themselves and their families.

This is the kind of transformation he envisions for America: himself as the unchallenged authority, unrestricted by the principles of democracy. The implications of this unfortunate possibility extend far beyond the borders of America and could reverberate throughout the global community.

The very essence of democracy is indeed under threat, and this is an undeniable reality, not a matter open to interpretation. Trump himself has made this statement, broadcasted live for all to hear: “I will be a dictator for one day,” he proclaims. But who could possibly believe such a claim? History teaches us that dictators do not reign for a mere day; it’s a notion widely understood and witnessed. Trump’s admiration for dictators across the globe—from North Korea to Russia, Eastern Europe, and South America—is evident in his actions, words, and demeanor. He harbors aspirations of becoming a dictator himself, yearning to be the most powerful figure in America indefinitely.

Public awareness of this situation is indeed positive. However, it’s disconcerting that not only do many individuals agree with him, but they also financially support his political campaign, aiding him in achieving his objectives.

In a precarious predicament, he finds himself deeply entangled in legal troubles stemming from his past actions as a private citizen conducting business in New York. The allegations of unlawful behavior surfaced during his unexpected rise to public office, exacerbated by his transgressions while occupying the highest position in the land. Despite his persistent denial, legal challenges persist from his contested bid for reelection, culminating in the alleged mishandling of classified documents upon vacating the White House—a falsehood he continues to propagate.

Amidst this turmoil, news media reports indicate that he channels millions into fines, court expenses, and legal representation, not from his own funds, but from a pool amassed not only from affluent benefactors but also from his less affluent yet unwitting supporters. Funds intended for his political endeavors are now diverted to offset his mounting personal legal debts.

Regrettably, many of his followers may be swayed by a narrow vision of America that aligns solely with their beliefs. They envision a country that expresses love for America in a particular, exclusive manner. While adamantly opposing abortion laws, they also vehemently resist gun control measures. Trump strategically capitalizes on these divisive issues, garnering strong support from this segment of the population.

A typical Trump supporter, draped in the American flag, recently remarked near the Manhattan courthouse that he backs Trump because he sees him as a defender against abortion and an opponent of gun control. However, he appears to overlook other significant concerns regarding Trump’s qualifications and suitability for the presidency.

With less than six months left until election day, the ongoing delays orchestrated by him and his legal team may potentially mean that his court cases won’t reach a conclusion by then. This situation could deprive voters of the opportunity to make informed decisions, particularly for undecided voters who rely on judicial outcomes to inform their voting choices. A significant portion of the electorate remains undecided at this juncture, and many of them see Trump’s legal fate as crucial in shaping their voting preferences.

Therefore, it’s imperative for the judiciary to expedite the trial processes and resolve Trump’s pending cases promptly to ensure clarity and fairness in the electoral process.

For those who aren’t staunch supporters of Make America Great Again (MAGA), now presents an opportune moment to reassess their allegiance to Trump. It’s a chance to pause and reflect on the developments surrounding Trump’s legal cases. This allows for a clearer perspective, enabling recognition of some troubling aspects about him, including his tumultuous past, actions that inflict harm, and his apparent lack of respect for others.

They have the opportunity to reassess their perspectives and potentially alter their opinions about Trump. Alternatively, they could simplify matters by considering insights from a poll conducted by America’s ABC News. This poll asked respondents to use ten words to describe him. The resulting words included: “incompetent,” “arrogant,” “strong,” “idiot,” “egotistical,” “ignorant,” “great,” “racist,” “narcissistic,” and lastly, a not-so-flattering term. While two words are positive—”strong” and “great”—their applicability is questionable. Or use them to modify any of the other eight negative words, to make them appear as ” strongly arrogant” or ” greatly narcissistic.” By reflecting on and repeating these descriptors, it’s hoped that the truth about him will become apparent, enabling individuals to make more informed judgments.

Featured header image is one of the court room sketches drawn during the trial, courtesy of PBS Thirteen New York City.