Yes, the President Is a Felon
The Constitution lists only three requirements to become president, and “no felonies” isn’t one of them.
The Big Story
In May 2024, a New York jury convicted Donald Trump of 34 felony counts tied to falsifying business records.
But the United States Constitution only requires three things to run for president: be 35 years old, be a natural-born citizen, and live in the U.S. for 14 years.
Some lawsuits tried to remove Trump from ballots using the Fourteenth Amendment. But in Trump v. Anderson, the Supreme Court ruled states cannot enforce that clause against presidential candidates.
The Two Spins
From the Left
The conviction shows the legal system can hold powerful political figures accountable.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution should be considered when deciding whether candidates tied to an insurrection can hold office.
From the Right
Criticize the prosecution of Donald Trump and describe the case as politically motivated.
Desire for voters, not courts, to ultimately decide whether candidates facing criminal convictions should serve as president.
What This Means for Us
This case revealed something many Americans don’t realize: a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent someone from running for president.
The United States Constitution sets only three requirements for the job, which means most decisions about candidates are ultimately left to voters.
So even major legal cases can become part of what voters consider when deciding who should lead the country.
How They Make Money
Many buildings with the Trump name are not owned by Trump. Developers pay to license the Trump brand, meaning the company can earn money from projects it didn’t build or finance.
The business traces back to the 1920s and has operated in its modern form for more than 50 years under Donald Trump.
Takeaway
Sometimes the business isn’t the building; it’s the brand. Developers have paid to use the Trump name on projects like Trump International Golf Club Dubai, even though the property itself isn’t owned by Trump.
The Number That Stuck With Me
1927
The year Fred Trump started the family real estate business, long before Donald Trump entered politics.