We are in uncharted waters. Donald Trump is a convicted felon. The whole thing is perverse.
The American brand has been dragged through the mud, sunk to the level of a banana republic where rulers take their political enemies out to the jungle to disappear.
This great nation now stands diminished in the eyes of international investors. And the economic consequences for ordinary Americans could be dire.
No doubt, this sordid trial – brought by partisan Democratic prosecutors in Manhattan – has already done serious damage to America’s credibility.
I was in London speaking to investors when Stormy Daniels was testifying on the stand – and all the audience members wanted to know was: ‘What on Earth does a porn star’s use of condoms have to do with campaign finance law?’
They were right.
The unjust persecution of Trump discredits the United States – and sends an urgent message to powerful business owners everywhere that, in Biden’s America, they too could stand trial on purely political grounds.
No one truly knows how much this conviction will sway November’s presidential election. Surely, if this verdict hampers Trump’s chances of winning in 2024, there might be cause for concern. And no one will be watching more closely than wealthy investors.
I, like so many others with sizeable investments, managed just two hours sleep Thursday night. For now I have to seriously consider: Do I move my money?
I certainly think there could be a real drag on investment in New York State – and City.
The trial has wounded New York’s once sterling reputation as the safest and most attractive finance capital of the world.
Real estate mogul Grant Cardone has already said he’ll never do business in New York City again after the Trump verdict.
He rightly questions why anyone would invest in the city if they can’t ensure fair legal treatment.
Why take the risk?
By KEVIN O’LEARY
