Originally published June 19, 2023 9:25 am PDT
A recent Harvard/CAPS Harris poll has revealed that the federal indictment against former President Donald J. Trump is perceived by most Americans as politically motivated.
The poll, conducted from June 14-15, surveyed 2,090 registered voters, 55% of whom viewed the indictment as driven by politics.
According to the poll, this sentiment was echoed across party lines, with 83% of Republicans, 55% of Independents, and a surprising 28% of Democrats agreeing with this viewpoint.
The indictment’s impact on the 2024 elections was an even bigger concern, with 56% of respondents asserting it was “interference by the DOJ in the 2024 elections.”
This consensus was found among 84% of Republicans, 51% of Independents, and 32% of Democrats.
However, the strength of the indictment against Trump also received noteworthy attention, with a majority considering it to be “strong” or “very strong.”
A significant 32% of the respondents perceived the case as “very strong,” while an additional 26% labeled it as “somewhat strong.”
However, 42% of registered voters felt that the indictment was “weak” or “somewhat weak.”
In addition to the indictment, the poll addressed concerns related to the handling of classified documents by President Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
An overwhelming 72% of voters felt that it was probable that Clinton “obstructed justice” by deleting evidence and purging hard drives, as well as mishandling classified data through a private email server.
Concerns regarding President Biden’s handling of classified documents were also prevalent.
A robust 65% of polled registered voters believed Biden mishandled classified documents by storing them in unsecured locations nationwide, including his Delaware garage.
The poll further indicated that a majority of Americans perceived prosecuting Trump for mishandling classified information, while Clinton and Biden did the same, as selective prosecution.
Specifically, 53% of respondents felt indicting Trump was a case of “selective prosecution,” while 47% saw it as “fair justice.”
