Most legal experts agree that anyone could become president of the United States despite being found guilty of a crime, as the U.S. Constitution only defines the requirements to run for the highest office in the land.
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So, what could happen if former President Donald Trump is found guilty in one of his criminal cases ahead of the Nov. 5 general election? Doug Spencer, an election law professor at the University of Colorado, predicts it would have little impact.
There are logistical questions about the Secret Service. Would he still get them? Do you do things over Zoom?” Spencer said.
Overall, Spencer predicts that New York Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump’s current hush money trial, wouldn’t imprison Trump long enough to prevent him from running for president.
Constitutional requirements for becoming president
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Currently, the U.S. Constitution sets out a list of qualifications for becoming president: the person must be 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.
Spencer added that if Trump is convicted and imprisoned, it could prime the country to amend the U.S. Constitution with a section that a presidential candidate must not have been previously incarcerated or convicted of a crime.
“If he’s found guilty, voters in the country should take that into account when they make their vote. Do you want a felon running your country?” Spencer said.
