CBS News poll shows that public opinion on Trump trial remains the same after verdict.

Former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial has left the nation divided, with opinions largely staying unchanged after the verdict was reached. Prior to the jury’s decision, just over half of the country believed Trump was guilty, and post-verdict, a similar percentage feel that the jury reached the right decision and the trial was fair.

Republicans, in particular, continue to assert that Trump was treated unfairly, with those disagreeing with the verdict citing jury bias, insufficient evidence, and politically motivated charges. As a result, half of the nation now considers Trump unfit to be president following his conviction.

Upon re-contacting Americans interviewed before the verdict, it was found that the jury’s decision did not significantly alter their perspectives. Democrats are generally more confident in the justice system after the trial, while most Republicans express decreased confidence in it.

The verdict aligns with pre-existing views on Trump’s innocence or guilt, with the majority maintaining their initial beliefs. Democrats express feelings of relief and gladness, while Republicans are more disappointed than angry, yet unsurprised by the outcome.

Most Republicans believe that the crimes Trump was convicted of were not serious, and that he was treated more harshly compared to other criminal defendants. Views on appropriate punishment are divided along partisan lines, with many Americans not supporting imprisonment for Trump.

Additionally, there is a strong desire among Republicans for the party to remain loyal to Trump, reflecting a consistent trend in their behavior. While immediate post-verdict opinions did not undergo significant shifts, there is potential for movement among those who have not closely followed the trial.

The CBS News/YouGov survey conducted on a nationally representative sample of 989 U.S. adults revealed these attitudes post-verdict. The margin of error for the recontact survey is ±5.2 points, with more insights available in the accompanying toplines.