It seems increasingly possible that Donald Trump could face actual jail time before any verdict is reached in his four criminal trials.
While jail is not a desired outcome for many, it raises the question of whether Americans are prepared for a former president to be incarcerated. Trump was recently fined for the 10th time for violating a gag order in his Manhattan trial, prompting the judge to suggest that jail might be necessary, as previous fines have not deterred him.
Despite the gag order, Trump continued to speak about the trial's witnesses.
Polls have not asked how Americans would feel about Trump being jailed for violating the gag order, but many seem open to the idea.
A CNN poll found that Americans generally view Trump's conduct in his Manhattan trial as inappropriate. While many Republicans still support Trump, independents tend to view his conduct as problematic. Overall, many Americans believe Trump's behavior could lead to his own incarceration.
A majority of Americans have indicated they would support imprisoning Trump if he broke the law and was convicted.
However, this sentiment might not extend to imprisoning him for a gag-order violation. Americans seem skeptical of Trump's judges and concerned about politics influencing the legal process. Judges are cautious about making such a monumental decision, considering the potential unintended consequences. Trump's actions have repeatedly forced difficult choices on the justice system and the American public.