Trump vs Rule of Law

TLDR
Radley Balko argues that Trump and his allies' claims of being unfairly targeted by the criminal justice system are unfounded. Instead, they have received preferential treatment, such as leniency in court appearances and considerate execution of search warrants. Balko highlights disparities, contrasting Trump's experiences with the harsh realities of ordinary citizens and protesters. He concludes that Trump's status has granted him significant leniency, debunking the narrative of mistreatment and exposing systemic biases favoring the powerful.

Radley Balko's article critically examines the claims by Donald Trump and his allies that they have been unfairly targeted and mistreated by the criminal justice system. Trump and his supporters have repeatedly complained about being singled out for abuse, claiming there are "two tiers of justice"—one harsh and unrelenting for MAGA supporters and another lenient for others. However, Balko argues that these claims are unfounded and that Trump and his associates have received preferential treatment from the criminal justice system. Balko starts by debunking the notion that Trump has faced unusual or harsh treatment. He points out that Trump's status as a former president has granted him significant leniency.

For instance, Trump was allowed to attend his son's graduation, a privilege unlikely to be extended to ordinary defendants facing multiple felony charges. This contrasts sharply with the experiences of average citizens who often face severe inconveniences, such as losing their jobs or enduring multiple court appearances for minor offenses. Balko also highlights the disparity in how search warrants were executed. When the FBI executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago, they gave Trump's Secret Service detail a heads-up. They searched while Trump was out of town to avoid embarrassment. This level of courtesy is rarely, if ever, afforded to regular citizens. Balko contrasts this with the case of William Binney, a whistleblower who faced a sudden, unannounced raid where FBI agents pointed guns at him while he was in the shower.

Furthermore, Balko addresses the criticism from MAGA supporters about the media's involvement in high-profile arrests. He notes that tipping off the press is common among prosecutors seeking publicity. For example, during a raid in Alabama targeting low-level drug offenses, local media were invited to accompany law enforcement, which is a stark contrast to the claims of selective targeting against Trump's allies. Balko also refutes the allegations that January 6th rioters have been treated more harshly than other protesters, such as those involved in the George Floyd protests. He points out that about 70 percent of defendants on January 6th were released on bond or their recognizance, a significantly higher rate than the federal pre-trial release rate.

Additionally, federal public defenders went to great lengths to ensure robust defenses for January 6th defendants, contrasting sharply with the systemic underfunding and overworking of public defenders. In conclusion, Balko's article dismantles the narrative that the criminal justice system has unfairly targeted Trump and his allies. Instead, he argues that they have benefited from a level of leniency and preferential treatment rarely extended to ordinary defendants, highlighting the systemic disparities and biases favoring the powerful and well-connected.