The trial of former President Donald Trump for allegedly paying hush money to conceal an affair before the 2016 election has raised concerns among some commentators about the potential for setting a negative precedent for future presidential candidates. Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt expressed worry that a guilty verdict could deter men from seeking the presidency if they have engaged in similar behavior in the past. Legal experts have also pointed out that the prosecution’s contention that Trump’s payment was an attempt to influence the election could have implications for how such actions are viewed in the future. Meanwhile, Trump’s attorney has made claims that may be difficult to support during the trial, and prosecutors have presented evidence, including a phone call, that seems to contradict those claims.