MEXICO: Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has said he does not agree with the criminal charges against former US president Donald Trump because they are politically motivated.

“Supposedly legal, judicial issues should not be used for political, electoral purposes,” he said at a morning press conference on 6 April, “Don’t make up crimes to affect adversaries.”

Trump is charged with 34 felony counts, many related to falsifying business records to pay $ 130,000 to Stormy Daniels to keep her from publicizing their relationship.

Trump said in a speech after his arraignment on Tuesday that US prosecutors used a strategy from the former Soviet Union, which used the legal system for political gains.

This is not the only case being investigated that involves the former president. Prosecutors are gathering evidence in his role in the 6 January insurrection at the Capitol, the theft of classified government documents found at his home and his attempt to manipulate election results in Georgia; any of which could affect his bid for president in 2024. Although since his arrest and arraignment on Tuesday, support from Republicans for his bid as a nominee for the next election has increased 10%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

A poll released Monday found that 51% of Americans, including 80% of Republicans, said they believed the allegations were politically motivated. A survey from the same agency taken the following day found that 49% of Americans think it was right for prosecutors to pursue the criminal charges, including 84% of Democrats. The polls highlight the political divide evident in matters surrounding Trump.