Last Thursday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg formally indicted former President Donald Trump. Such an indictment, however, is fueled by sheer politics—one could say the realpolitik of modern America. But how did we get to this position in which a former president, for the first time in American history, is facing criminal indictment? More importantly, how will this affect the 2024 presidential election and the future of American democracy?

It’s important to understand that this prosecution of Donald Trump is not an isolated case, but instead the result of regional politics in concert with personal ambitions. Context is king, and New York State politics are a rat nest of corruption. Since the resignation of Governor Elliot Spitzer for patronizing a prostitution ring, Albany has been in a state of constant turmoil, with a complete democratic monopoly crushing the state under the weight of corruption. Now, with the recent resignation of Governor Cuomo and the narrow re-election of Governor Hochul, the opportunity for advancement is clear. It is this same opportunity that is fueling this prosecution. Alvin Bragg is smart enough to see this opportunity. If he can successfully prosecute Trump, he may become the next governor of New York State. Ambition fuels people to do stupid things, and this case is no different.

Also, this prosecution is unprecedented; never has an American president been charged with a crime, minus a speeding ticket. President Ulysses S. Grant was arrested by DC police for driving his horse-drawn carriage too fast. Regardless, even Nixon, of all presidents, escaped criminal prosecution for the Watergate burglary and later cover-up. President Ford pardoned him. Oddly, most of Nixon’s crimes were also committed by earlier administrations, but with discretion. Even recent American presidents whose crimes relate to war and bribery have not been prosecuted, with Bill Clinton and Joe Biden involved in influencing and peddling.

However, Trump’s hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels is a severe crime that must be prosecuted. (That’s sarcastic, by the way.) Such a claim is laughable and unbecoming of a district attorney; particularly knowing his refusal to prosecute real criminals.

Now, what are the political ramifications of this blatant act of political prosecution? Far from the media norm, I view this as weakening Trump’s long-term chances of winning the Republican primary. To begin, despite what the talking head of the mainstream media says, this indictment could destroy Trump. After all, following Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s poll numbers, although they increased, were only temporary. The possibility of an indictment of a presidential candidate could hurt him long-term. Now, if with an actual indictment, the same occurrence is likely to occur. And if Trump’s poll numbers do indeed sink, then what will happen? Who will gain the most?

If Trump’s poll numbers do indeed decrease, then it will create a wide-open field across the primary. Candidates, such as Governor Sunu and many others, are just waiting to jump in once Trump’s poll numbers go down. Meanwhile, there is another Governor waiting to enter the political race, Governor Ronald DeSantis. Trump’s indictment and prosecution are only adding baggage to his candidacy; many voters may reconsider their support. At the same time, they will want the Trump policies but a more polished candidate. Enter Ronald DeSantis, the real winner of Alan Braig’s prosecution. With the fall of Trump’s poll numbers, Republicans will now turn their loyalty to another. A far younger, more talented, and greater skilled candidate, but that depends on how this indictment plays politically. The consequences could be grave, or perhaps something more significant is coming to America. A dress rehearsal for a new political force, something that could end American democracy?

As I write this article, I have a strange feeling something is happening, something greater than one individual, but a seismic shift in our political system is about to occur. If this prosecution results in DeSantis winning the nomination, then Trump will definitely run a third-party bid and destroy the Republican party—a schism that would split the party and hand complete power to the Democrats. Both in state and federal politics, the left will have absolute hegemony. And then will come a national catastrophe, the likes of which we have never seen before. The United States is already on the verge of collapse; we just haven’t realized it yet. From our national debt, border crisis, rise in suicide, drug addiction, and collapsing infrastructure, the country is going to hell. And if this is fully realized during this age of leftism, the liberal elites will have doomed the republic. While they drink champagne on Martha’s Vineyard, American democracy will be dying.

The price of this act of negligence to the state of American democracy may be the rise of an American strongman—our American Caesar. One may shoulder the thought of this possibility, but this foolhardy prosecution may precipitate the end of American democracy. I certainly love democracy and the republic, but this may happen. Watch your back America. This is the twilight of the republic and the rise of the American Caesar.