Despite facing multiple criminal charges, former President Donald Trump's support among the Republican Party faithful remains strong. According to recent polling, he is still the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination. Even during a Republican primary debate, where candidates were asked if they would support a Trump candidacy marred by criminal charges, the majority indicated their unwavering support. Trump's mugshot, taken after his booking at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, has even become a marketing tool to sell merchandise to his fan base.

This unwavering support can be attributed to the deep intertwining of political beliefs with personal identity. According to Michael Lynch, a professor of philosophy at the University of Connecticut, people hold onto their political convictions because changing their minds would require changing who they are. This phenomenon is not limited to Trump's base but has become more common in recent years, as leaders tap into popular discontent and use social media and alternative news outlets to isolate their followers from alternative points of view.

However, not all Americans are in support of Trump. A recent poll conducted by Politico/Ipsos showed that an overwhelming majority, including nearly two-thirds of independents, want Trump to stand trial for his alleged crimes before the 2024 election. The poll also revealed that more than half of respondents believed Trump had weaponized the legal system and improperly investigated political opponents.

With ongoing cases in the Department of Justice, as well as in New York and Georgia, the public's perception of Trump's guilt or innocence may change as more information becomes available. However, for now, it seems that criminal charges have not significantly impacted Trump's support among his Republican base.