Voters shrug off scandals, paying a price in lost trust

By: Brandon Rottinghaus, University of Houston, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 5, 2026

Words: 1,350

Last Updated: 3 days, 14 hours ago

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By Brandon Rottinghaus, University of Houston

Donald Trump joked in 2016 that he could “stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody” and not lose support. In 2024, after two impeachments and 34 felony convictions, he has more or less proved the point. He not only returned to the White House, he turned his mug shot into décor, hanging it outside the Oval Office like a trophy.

He’s not alone. …

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