Donald Trump — former President and business mogul — has been indicted by a New York grand jury with several counts related to coordinating hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This is an unprecedented moment in American history, a rubicon that cannot be uncrossed. The indictment of Trump has the potential to usher in a new era of accountability to the White House as the age of United States’ Presidents being effectively immune to the law comes to a close. According to the Associated Press, the Manhattan district attorney’s office has contacted Trump to coordinate his surrender so he can face arraignment. 

This indictment comes in a period of profound political division in America. At a different time, the public may have supported the decision to indict a President — seeing it as a step towards accountability. However, the nature of this indictment is now being portrayed as a political crusade by a majority of the Republican party, showing many that the GOP is still firmly in the hands of Trump and the MAGA wing of the party. This does not mix well with the extremely partisan nature of the American public. Even Trump’s political challenger, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, says his state will not aid in the extradition of Trump to New York. The New York Police Department is preparing for mass protests as Trump’s supporters flock to his aid while he attempts to escape justice. However, this may not be the only time Trump faces criminal charges. Other cases, such as the probe into Trump’s actions in Georgia during the 2020 election or investigations relating to his actions during the January 6th Capitol riot, also have the potential to rock the political landscape. 

This new age of accountability in America must continue. It cannot be stifled before it even begins. As citizens, we cannot expect anything less than for Trump to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, on all the charges and in all the cases he is faced with. Donald Trump must serve his day in court like every other United States citizen would be expected to. No individual is above the law, especially a former President.