Prosecuting Donald Trump is right. But is it politically wise?

Many voters back the ex-president despite — or perhaps because of — his alleged crimes. A trial might only entrench that support

Former US president Donald Trump arrived Monday in New York where he will surrender to unprecedented criminal charges, taking America into uncharted and potentially volatile territory as he seeks to regain the presidency. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images

The best reason for arraigning Donald Trump in New York this week is that he is guilty. It is possible the jury might agree and he might go quietly to jail, thus being unable to return to the White House were he to be elected. That is a good reason, but it does not make it a wise one.

American justice is not political but it can be highly politicised. We won’t know until Tuesday afternoon what exactly Trump has been indicted on, but many assume he will face charges of falsely concealing “hush money” paid to the former adult film actor Stormy Daniels.