“DA Voices” is a periodic feature designed to highlight the voices of De Anza College’s diverse community. We ask different people the same questions and organize their statements to allow readers to see a variety of perspectives.
In late May 2024, Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted of a felony when a jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records. The cover-up involved paying $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, a porn actress who claims to have had sex with Trump, in exchange for keeping quiet during the 2016 election. Despite the conviction, Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign remains strong.
We asked students for their opinions on this issue. Here are their answers:
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Lupe Navarro, a 22-year-old sociology major, said it was odd that Trump could run for office despite being convicted of a crime.
“The irony is that he can still run for office with his criminal record, when felons can’t vote or hold office because of their convictions,” Navarro said, “and he can run for office while in prison.”
Cassandra Perea, a 21-year-old painting major, agreed with Navarro, saying, “It’s crazy that he can still run when so many people have been disenfranchised because of their criminal convictions.”
“This is gerrymandering,” said Henry Barnato, 19, a graphic design major. Barnato said it’s an interesting case, but it shows the American way of doing things in a negative light. “Trump’s a good businessman, but he’s a terrible president.”
Ricardo Banuelos, 22, a film and television production major, declined to be photographed but said he agreed with the guilty plea.
“He should be in prison,” Banuelos said. “This is payback for his investment in the cover-up and he deserves severe punishment.”
Brian Blodgett, a 20-year-old film and television production major, said it was odd that Trump could still run for office despite being charged with a felony.
“It would be a strange situation if someone could get away with being a convicted criminal. I don’t know if that would be allowed,” Blodgett said.
Shira Bungabun, a 21-year-old nursing major, doesn’t follow the news and doesn’t have an opinion on the matter.
“I don’t really follow politics these days so I don’t have any particular opinion,” Bungubungu said.
