In his twilight years as president, Trump stole classified documents from the White House, disclosed sensitive military information to others to brag about, and thwarted a judicial investigation against him. This week he was allowed to visit the judge again. He decided that he could wait for the continuation of the criminal case at liberty.

Capture photo

Opponents have cited the fact that he was allowed home as an example of class justice, but the possibility that one of the most famous people in the world with his characteristic appearance could be hiding somewhere to avoid a criminal case is certainly not high.

That’s why the capture photo, which is called mug shots, no need, everyone recognizes it. In the land of Hollywood, where fiction and nonfiction mingle, Trump is an A-star.

Wet wind

This is a sad time for the United States and, on closer inspection, for other democratic nations under the rule of law. Trump is unique, but his way of politics is not. A national populist wet wind has been blowing through Great Britain in recent years and light breezes have also been observed in the Netherlands.

Sometimes the US does not resemble a democratic constitutional state, but a place where democracy conflicts with the rule of law. In which a popular ex-president called the investigation against him ‘political persecution’. Where the judiciary is declared as an enemy of the people.

Begging for money

Voters, men and women who want what is best for their country, are egged on by a brute who is pulling all kinds of populist strings for his own benefit. Within Trump’s half hour in court, millions of Trump supporters received emails asking for money.

The only place “Donald the Puppeteer” isn’t in control is in court. He could scold, blame, or bad-mouth anyone, but he had to be careful of the judge and jury. The 77-year-old faces 136 years in prison – whether he will get it is another matter. ‘

Money money money

If he is allowed to live his life in freedom, he can do what he loves best: turn ballots into bills of money. Trump has never been about his electorate, in a land of unprecedented views, it’s been about one thing: money money money.

Comment? r.hazenoot@mediahuis.nl