America’s fork in the road

IN THE HISTORY of America, there has been no indictment like it. Donald Trump stands accused of conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and an attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights – all in relation to his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021, riots on the day when Joe Biden’s victory was certified in Washington, DC.

“The Defendant lost the 2020 presidential election,” the document begins. “Despite having lost, the Defendant was determined to remain in power.”

That, in a nutshell, is the allegation. Mr Trump has constantly claimed, without evidence, outcome-determinative fraud in relation to the 2020 poll. But he is the one who tried to pull a hoax, according to the indictment unsealed this week.

It is hard to imagine an allegation more serious or a criminal case more important. The charges read out on Thursday relate to the most fundamental principles of democratic rule. They name someone who once held the highest office in the most powerful country in the world.

For the moment.

At stake in these proceedings – as well as the upcoming 2024 US presidential elections in which Mr Trump remains a viable Republican contender according to polls – is whether a country that has prided itself as being the global guardian of democracy will re-elect an individual who, more than any other, undermined democratic rule and systems of governance.

China and Russia, no friends of democracy, have long been challengers to America’s dominance. Both would wish to see a different world order. Yet in the end, despite America’s frequent focus on its external foes, the calls have been coming from inside the house.

Mr Trump has eroded America’s standing in the world. And the Republican Party’s failure to keep him in check or hold him accountable for anything for fear of angering him and his supporters represents the greatest failure of the values that are meant to keep authoritarians in check and, therefore, democracy alive. Thursday was, indeed, a sad day. Mr Trump’s continued popularity despite so much suggests something has already been lost.

Jack Smith’s indictment is just the start. Given the backdrop of the events of January 6, the special prosecutor is likely to have much more facts and materials at his disposal than is apparent in the 45-page document.

And Mr Trump already faces other charges relating to the mishandling of classified documents and hush money payments. These are serious matters but they pale in comparison.

The Republican front-runner has already started to use his legal woes as a campaign tool, effectively, and irresponsibly, fusing the courts with the elections. Whether Mr Trump wins in either forum potentially spells the future of democracy.