Why a scandal consuming a Trump protégé could harm the ex-president in North Carolina

Why a scandal consuming a Trump protégé could harm the ex-president in North Carolina

Donald Trump faces potential fallout in the crucial swing state of North Carolina, following a CNN investigation that uncovered a scandal involving Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. Robinson, the current lieutenant governor and a staunch supporter of Trump, was found to have made offensive remarks on a porn-site message board over a decade ago, including referring to himself as a "black NAZI" and expressing support for slavery. These revelations have rocked the political landscape, casting a shadow over Trump’s campaign in a state vital to his electoral strategy.


While Robinson has denied making the comments, his close ties to Trump — who has publicly praised him — have intensified the controversy. The Democratic campaign, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, has seized on the scandal, highlighting photos of Trump and Robinson together to paint Trump as extreme and unfit for office.


Despite Trump’s solid base of loyal supporters, the scandal could affect his standing in the state. North Carolina has been a fiercely contested battleground in recent elections, and any dip in Republican turnout could have significant consequences. Harris, meanwhile, is working hard to galvanize key voter blocs, including women and Black voters, in an effort to swing the state in her favor.


Robinson’s candidacy, which had already been trailing Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, has put North Carolina even more in the spotlight. If Democrats manage to win the state, it could provide Harris with a crucial path to victory in the event that she loses one of the key Rust Belt states, like Pennsylvania or Michigan.


While Trump’s campaign is attempting to distance itself from Robinson, it has not taken action to force him out of the race, despite growing concerns about his past inflammatory remarks. Robinson remains on the ballot, and the scandal is unlikely to disappear soon. As Democrats intensify their efforts to link Robinson to Trump, the impact of this controversy may be decisive in North Carolina’s election outcome.


With the state’s 16 electoral votes at stake, the race in North Carolina could become a turning point for both Trump and Harris. For Trump, winning the state for the third time would demonstrate his enduring appeal despite ongoing controversies. For Harris, a victory in North Carolina could signify a shifting political landscape and open a clearer path to the White House.