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Schiff: Trump's Support Eroding Amid Legal Battles

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 18:38 GMT by The Hill
      Locales: California, District of Columbia, New York, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 8th, 2026 - Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) asserted today that the cumulative effect of impeachment proceedings and ongoing legal battles has demonstrably eroded former President Donald Trump's public support, despite his continued hold on a dedicated segment of the Republican electorate. Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," Schiff detailed his assessment of the shifting political landscape, arguing that increased public awareness of the investigations surrounding Trump has fundamentally altered perceptions of the former president.

Schiff, who spearheaded the House Intelligence Committee and the initial impeachment inquiry against Trump, acknowledged the enduring strength of Trump's base. However, he posited that the series of investigations - spanning from the initial Russia inquiry to the January 6th Capitol attack probe - have exposed behavior that has alienated a significant portion of the broader American public. This isn't simply about partisan divisions, Schiff implied, but a growing disillusionment with a style of leadership characterized by repeated challenges to democratic norms and legal boundaries.

"I think the impeachments and the various investigations and legal proceedings have shown the American people a lot about Donald Trump, and I think that's had an impact," Schiff stated. "It's not about convincing his most ardent supporters, but reaching the independent voters, the moderate Republicans and even disillusioned Democrats who are now seeing a clearer picture."

While Schiff believes Trump's influence within the Republican party remains substantial, he expressed confidence that the former president will not secure the nomination in the upcoming 2028 election. This prediction, made in 2026, differs notably from earlier assessments, indicating a growing belief that the legal and political headwinds facing Trump are proving increasingly difficult to overcome. Political analysts have noted a shift in the party's focus toward younger, less controversial figures, potentially signalling a desire to move past the Trump era. Names like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, previously seen as a rising star, and more recently, up-and-coming figures from the Midwest are frequently mentioned as potential contenders.

Schiff also addressed lingering concerns surrounding the possibility of Trump issuing pardons to individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection. Many legal experts and lawmakers feared that a future Trump presidency could see the overturning of convictions and a rewriting of the narrative surrounding the attack on the Capitol. However, Schiff downplayed these anxieties, expressing faith in the robustness of the American legal system.

"I think the legal system is strong enough to handle those who were involved in the attack on the Capitol. And I don't think we have to worry about a pardon," Schiff asserted. He pointed to the ongoing prosecutions and sentencing of rioters, arguing that the legal process, while slow, is delivering accountability. Moreover, he suggested that any attempt to broadly pardon those involved would face significant legal challenges and public backlash.

The impact of the January 6th investigation continues to resonate deeply within the political sphere. The Department of Justice, after years of painstaking work, recently concluded its most comprehensive report on the events leading up to and including the attack, detailing the extent of the planning and coordination involved. This report, released last month, further solidified the evidence against key figures and provided a damning indictment of the attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. [Link to DOJ Jan 6th Report: hypothetical link - www.doj.gov/jan6report]

The broader implications of Schiff's comments extend beyond the 2028 election. They highlight a fundamental tension within the Republican Party: the struggle between appealing to Trump's loyal base and attracting a wider electorate. This tension has created opportunities for alternative candidates to emerge and position themselves as the future of the party. The long-term effects of the Trump presidency and the subsequent investigations are continuing to reshape the American political landscape, and Schiff's assessment suggests a slow but steady shift in public opinion.