Conviction, Discharge, Resignation, and Inauguration: Donald Trump's Path Forward

A whirlwind of legal activity is wrapping up in advance of President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration:

- New York Justice Juan Merchan issued an “unconditional discharge” of President-elect Trump’s felony conviction related to falsifying business records pertaining to payments made to Stormy Daniels. In effect, the ruling means that President-elect Trump will not incur any penalty for the conviction, an outcome that was essentially sealed upon his reelection to the White House.

- Special Counsel Jack Smith, who had been tasked with investigating cases pertaining to President-elect Trump’s handling of classified information and election interference, resigned upon completion of those assignments.

- The Department of Justice released the Special Counsel’s final report.

In a way, these events together mark the end of a chapter and set the stage for next week’s reinauguration of the President-elect for a second non-consecutive term in the White House.

Analysis and eternal perspective: This story is perhaps the most difficult current event for any of us to view objectively. That makes it one of the best opportunities for us to lean into one of our primary goals, which is having a discerning heart and mind about world events (2 Tim. 1:7). If you support President-elect Trump, you may be inclined to dismiss the findings of the court and the Special Counsel. If you oppose President-elect Trump, you may be inclined to dismiss the will of the electorate. Both of these temptations, if accepted, would short-circuit your ability to think critically about this story and the many more that will surround it.

As we so often do here at The Equipped, take a moment to, a) Candidly consider the underlying evidence, taking particular care to consider the perspective you are disinclined to share (Pr. 18:17), and b) Fervently consider how you can respond in a way that heals wounds and points toward flourishing (Ps. 147:3, Jer. 29:5-7).

The vast majority of commentary around this story will invite you to be outraged about the shortcomings of “the other side.” A much healthier approach is to humbly consider the evidence on all sides, and to then walk into the days ahead equipped with an honest understanding about all that has transpired.

Finally, remember that your task of carrying the Gospel into your world for the purpose of flourishing is far more important than anyone’s opinion about any politician’s actions, and you serve a God who grants wisdom and knowledge to those who seek it, even as kings and kingdoms rise and fall (Dan. 2:21).

The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.