How will the US protests affect Donald Trump’s re-election bid?

There is no reason to assume that the US president will be able to turn the protests to his political advantage.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 08: U.S. President Donald Trump makes remarks as he participates in a roundtable with law enforcement officials in the State Dining Room of the White House, June, 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. From L-R is Attorney General William Barr, Daniel J, Cameron Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Trump. (Photo by Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

As the US is now within six months of the next presidential election, and as the incumbent is among the most polarising leaders in American history, pundits and politicians alike are asking themselves: what do the protests against police brutality and systematic violence mean for Donald Trump?

On the surface, one could say that the protests are positive for Trump and negative for Joe Biden, his Democratic opponent. Trump can now campaign on law and order, while Democrats call for police defunding, something that will repel suburban white women. “History suggests that Republicans benefit from street violence, whereas Democrats gain from peaceful protests”, the Economist argued this week.