The US Declaration of Independence has many well-known lines, among them that "all men are created equal." However, recent decisions by US courts have suggested otherwise, as the federal justice department has determined the nation's president, unlike his peers, is shielded from criminal prosecution.

This disparity is further highlighted by the return of Donald Trump to the White House, this time as the first convicted felon to become president.

Trump faced no constitutional barriers to taking the highest office, and his November election victory was uncontested by the opposing party .

Despite this, observers continue to question whether Trump should have been handed a custodial sentence for his conviction, whether other charges against him should have been pursued, and what his return to the presidency as a felon means for the rule of law in the US.

Trump was found guilty by a New York jury on 34 felony counts in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment scheme to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

In January 2025, Judge Juan M. Merchan sentenced him to an unconditional discharge, meaning he is unencumbered by any penalties. Trump pled not guilty and will appeal the conviction. If unsuccessful, he will likely use his presidential pardon provisions for himself.

Trump also faced three other criminal indictments.

Two of........

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