'His alternative is prison': Ex-prosecutor shows which probation hurdle Trump could fail
Donald Trump could be ordered to prison if he fails to comply with terms of probation, including not interacting with fellow convicted felons, a former prosecutor said Sunday.
Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade appeared on MSNBC over the weekend to discuss the next steps for Trump, who was convicted on 34 felony counts and is awaiting sentencing. The ex-president is scheduled to have a probation interview via Zoom, which will provide additional information for the judge to consider when he considers punishment.
The host asked McQuade, "What kind of questions will an officer ask Donald Trump to determine if he is likely to violate rules of probation?"
She replied, "I think he will rely on objective factors but I think some of the questions he will be asked is, Do you understand that you may need to report to me on a regular basis? Do you understand you will be prohibited from associating with anyone with a criminal record?"
When asked what Trump might argue his sentence should be, McQuade said, "It is hard to imagine Donald Trump, himself, will agree to some of the terms."
"Often times, someone like Donald Trump will probably not have great restrictions on his travel but he may have restrictions that include not associating with people with criminal convictions," she added on Sunday. "For someone like Donald Trump who has people he has associated with who have criminal convictions, Steve Bannon, for example. Peter Navarro. That could be challenging to him. If he is not willing to comply with those kinds of conditions, his alternative is prison."