The pathetically trivial Dub case against Trump tarnishes US integrity, potentially granting him a return to the White House

That was my immediate response upon leaving the recording of Thursday night’s BBC Question Time, only to be greeted by the shocking news that Donald Trump had been found guilty on all charges in the Stormy Daniels hush money trial.

As I made my way home, my disbelief grew stronger, realising that such a nonsensical and self-destructive act of partisan politics had been allowed to occur.

Trump sits in the courtroom at Manhattan Criminal CourtCredit: Getty.

We are well aware that Trump is no saint, but for America to subject one of its 46 presidents to a criminal trial over this sordid and insignificant case is incredibly damaging to the country’s reputation.

Donald Trump had been convicted on all counts in the Stormy Daniels hush money trail.

Trump sits in the courtroom at Manhattan Criminal Court Credit: Getty.

Frankly, does it matter if Trump had a one-night stand with a porn star 18 years ago and paid her to keep quiet about it?

Is that any worse than what Bill Clinton did when he engaged in “sexual relations” with Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office and then lied to the American people about it? Or when he paid Paula Jones $850,000 to settle her sexual harassment case against him? And let’s not even start on JFK and his numerous sexual escapades, including passing classified CIA plans to the mafia.

There is an appalling hypocrisy behind the Democrats’ campaign to defeat Trump in the 2024 election by attempting to imprison him for actions far less severe than those committed by their presidents.

Trump’s conviction sets a dangerous precedent for political parties in the United States to weaponise the justice system against their opponents.

Furthermore, this move is foolish and dangerous because it will inevitably strengthen Trump’s candidacy to reclaim the White House from an ageing, unpopular President Biden.

Within hours of the verdict, his presidential campaign received an astonishing $34 million in donations, nearly doubling its previous single-day fundraising record.

Money plays a significant role in elections, and Trump’s fervent supporters have never appeared more passionate and resolute in their desire to see him win another term.

Even if he faces imprisonment following his sentencing in July, it will only elevate his status as a prominent and beloved martyr.

The Democrats may believe they have achieved a significant victory by successfully convicting the seemingly untouchable Trump, but I anticipate that come November, Trump will have the final vindictive chuckle.