Trump gains ground over DeSantis even after E. Jean Carroll verdict, poll shows

Former President Donald Trump has gained ground over his rivals in the race to claim the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, according to a Morning Consult poll that follows his loss of a civil case in which a jury held him liable for battery and defamation.

Trump claimed 61% support among potential Republican primary voters in the survey, with Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis placing a distant second with 18%. No other candidate or potential candidate claimed double-digit support.

Conducted from May 12-14, the survey period entirely follows the May 8 jury verdict in the Carroll case. Trump faced claims that he had raped her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. He maintains his denial of Carroll's claims and has begun the processing of appealing the decision.

On the day of the verdict, Trump held the support of 59% of potential primary voters in the same survey while DeSantis claimed 19%. The primary field has since shifted a net three points in the former president's favor.  

Trump and DeSantis supporters still generally view the other candidate as their second choice, with 44% of Trump voters opting for DeSantis in the event of the former president's absence from the race. Likewise, 43% of DeSantis supporters would break for Trump should the Florida governor opt against a bid. DeSantis has not formally announced his candidacy but is widely expected to do so.

In a general election, Biden holds a three-point lead over Trump, signaling little change in the overall race since last week.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.