Staff Reports
The unforgettable rollercoaster that is Donald Trump’s life just took another twist, with the recent legal jousting providing plenty of material for the water cooler conversations, if anyone bothered to talk about something other than which avocado toast is better. While President-elect Trump attended the solemn funeral of former President Jimmy Carter alongside Melania, the judicial realm was busy doing what it does best—hassling him through rulings that seem designed to keep him in the spotlight, albeit not in the most flattering way.
The New York Court of Appeals decided to deny Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in a Manhattan criminal case, following a similar decision from the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the 11th Circuit was also busy denying Trump’s co-defendants efforts to keep the so-called “Final Report” from Special Counsel Jack Smith under wraps. One has to wonder if these courts realized they were playing into Trump’s hands. Anyone familiar with the man knows he thrives on adversity, and it seems that a busy day of legal defeats really didn’t phase him too much.
Look at President Trump's response to the Supreme Court's super betrayal. VERY MERCIFUL & CALM!
He also says, "For the sake and sanctity of the Presidency, I will be appealing this case, and am confident that JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL. The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts… pic.twitter.com/Hnp1lpfQWm
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 10, 2025
Rather than throw an epic Twitter tantrum—or the modern equivalent on Truth Social—Trump opted for a surprisingly uncharacteristic calmness. His response to the Supreme Court’s ruling wasn’t filled with the typical fiery rhetoric; instead, it was a thank-you note that felt more like a diplomatic message than a rant. The former president remarked on the so-called injustice he faces at the hands of what he described as a thoroughly compromised judge. It’s clear that this courtroom drama isn’t any run-of-the-mill case for him; Trump sees it as part of a larger conspiracy aimed at derailing his political ambitions.
The longtime political observer can practically hear Trump’s rallying cry: he’s not just battling in the courtroom, he’s open about how he views this situation as “Lawfare,” which is a pretty clever way to say that the legal system is being wielded as a weapon against him for political purposes. With his followers giddy at the thought of a second Trump presidency looming larger than any potential sentence, it’s reasonable to say that the road might be rocky, but it’s hardly roadwork for a dead end.
Trump’s resignation over the impending sentencing shows that he understands this game better than many could. It’s like he’s taken a page from a sports book—playing the long game by focusing on appealing the decision later rather than sweating the current rulings. With more legal battles lined up than a Sunday picnic at a gun show, he might just be gearing up for a protracted legal showdown that will draw out over months, if not years.
In the end, while they may think they can kick him while he’s down, the reality is that Trump has shown a knack for turning adversity into his strength. Whether it’s a courtroom or a campaign rally, he knows how to harness the energy to drive the narrative back to where he thrives: right in the spotlight. The numerous attempts at undermining him only seem to recharge his batteries. Should they wish to make him a martyr, they might want to grasp the fundamental truth they seem to overlook: it’s easier for Trump to rally his base when he looks like the underdog.
