Trump’s Criminal Charges Highlight A Lack Of Strong Presidential Candidates

Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is the most controversial political figure of the 21st century.

This month, the contentious rhetoric surrounding the businessman-turned-politician escalated once again. 

On June 9, Trump was charged with 37 federal crimes after he was accused of conspiring to destroy government documents and storing sensitive documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence, among other charges. 

Trump pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. 

As we wait, tension between the Republican Party continues to rise due to the controversy surrounding Trump and the anticipation of who will be the party’s top contender for the presidency next year. 

The situation has also triggered political division. On June 12, thousands of Trump’s supporters expressed their support in front of the Trump National Hotel in Doral. 

Two days later, an anti-Trump protester was jailed after he ran in front of Trump’s motorcade as it departed from the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Downtown Miami. 

Regardless of the verdict, Trump’s trial will have a major impact on the Republican Party candidate pool for next year’s presidential election. 

However, the biggest concern we face as a country is the lack of competent candidates from any party to serve our nation’s highest office. 

Controversy revolving around the government is not new to me. I grew up in Venezuela, but I never expected a former president to be charged with a crime—especially not in America. 

The fact that we don’t have competent candidates makes me fear the next four years. 

Ron DeSantis, Trump’s most likely competitor, is worse than Trump. His track record concerning gun control,  immigration and education is questionable based on what he has done in Florida as governor. 

Uncertainty is not something that any country likes to face before a presidential election, so remain informed and make the best choice to avoid four years of misery.