In a speech before a crowd in Greenville, South Carolina, former President Donald Trump compared his own legal troubles with the fate of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny who died mysteriously while in custody of Kremlin authorities. During an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed that the lawsuits against him are politically motivated and compared the order to pay a $350 million fine to a “Navalny way.”
Despite Trump’s comparisons, the situations he faces differ significantly from those faced by the deceased Russian dissident. Navalny, who was a critic of the Kremlin regime, was a vocal opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and faced acts of violence including a poisoning attack with Novichok in 2020. In contrast, Trump’s legal challenges stem from his business dealings and his election-related activities.
Navalny faced trials that international organizations said violated his right to a fair trial and access to an independent judicial system. On the other hand, Trump, a wealthy individual, has had access to the guarantees provided by the rule of law and has been able to exercise his rights within the U.S. legal system.
Furthermore, despite facing multiple criminal proceedings, Trump remains free to run for the presidency and is even the favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination. In contrast, Navalny’s candidacy for the Russian presidency was met with violence and disqualification, eventually leading to the victory of Vladimir Putin in the 2018 presidential election.
As of press time, Trump has not condemned Putin or his regime for the death of Alexei Navalny, a stance that differs significantly from that of most leaders in the democratic world.
The comparisons drawn by Trump serve as a reminder of the marked differences between the organizations and legal systems of the United States and Russia, highlighting the influence of the rule of law and freedom of expression in shaping the varying experiences of individuals within these systems.