Former US President Donald Trump has been in the news lately after his arrest and arraignment in a Manhattan court. He is being charged with falsifying business records to hide a violation of election laws related to payments made to two women before the 2016 election.

Despite the charges against him, Trump is claiming that this is the “best day in history” and that he is a victim of political persecution and a left-wing conspiracy. He is projecting himself as a popular Republican and has even called on fellow Republicans in Congress to cut funding for the US Justice Department and the FBI.

While some Republican voters still see Trump as their man and the most popular among current or potential presidential candidates, many Americans are hoping for justice and accountability. A Reuters/Ispos poll showed that around half of the American population think the investigations against Trump are politically motivated actions by Democrats. However, around 70 per cent of Americans believe that no one should be “above the law”.

The next hearing for Trump’s case is set for December 4, and a trial may not even begin for a year. Regardless of the outcome, it will not legally prevent Trump from running for president in the future.

As this story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the Republican party and the upcoming presidential race.