Former President Donald Trump's highly anticipated rally in North Carolina, his first since the start of his hush money criminal trial in New York, was unexpectedly postponed on Saturday due to concerns over severe weather. Trump, however, made his presence felt by calling into the Wilmington rally from his airplane, with his message broadcasted over loudspeakers to disappointed supporters.

Expressing his disappointment, Trump addressed the crowd, saying, "We're devastated that this could happen, but we want to keep everybody safe." He cited thunder, lightning, and a significant storm as the reason for the postponement, hoping for a raincheck.

Despite the setback, Trump, who has been largely confined to a Manhattan courtroom in recent days, made his return to the campaign circuit in North Carolina, a crucial state for his trial-to-trail presidential campaign. He attended a fundraiser in Charlotte and made several posts on Truth Social, sharing his belief in presidential immunity from prosecution. These posts come ahead of the Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on April 25, which will determine whether Trump can claim immunity in a federal election subversion case.

This past week marked an unprecedented moment in American politics as the first criminal trial of a former president began. The trial, set to commence with opening statements on Monday, will determine whether Trump sought to undermine the 2016 election through illicit payments to women with whom he allegedly had extramarital affairs. To prove his innocence, Trump must convince the jury, comprised of seven men and five women, on the 34 charges he currently faces.

While the trial unfolds in New York, Trump faces a different challenge on the campaign trail, particularly in battleground states like North Carolina. He must persuade voters to overlook the emerging details from his trial when considering their choice for the next president. This includes potential evidence of hush money payments and testimonies from key witnesses, such as his former lawyer Michael Cohen, a former Playboy playmate, and an adult film star.

During a recent appearance in Greensboro, North Carolina, prior to the state's primary, Trump openly addressed his legal situation. He dismissed the then 91 (now 88) charges against him as illegitimate and baselessly claimed that the case was orchestrated by the Department of Justice for election interference to target him as a political opponent.

While Trump secured a convincing win in the primary, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley managed to garner support from 23% of Republican primary voters in North Carolina. Many within Trump's own party expressed concern over his legal challenges, with three in 10 GOP voters indicating that a conviction would render him unfit for the presidency. This sentiment poses a significant challenge for Trump, considering his narrow victory over President Joe Biden in North Carolina four years ago, with a margin of only 1.3%.

Trump's campaign, however, points to polling data indicating that a majority of Americans believe he has not broken any laws. Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized that their focus remains on fighting for truth in the courtroom while simultaneously earning votes on the campaign trail.

Throughout the first week of the trial, marked by emotional jurors and a distressing incident where a man set himself on fire outside the courthouse, Trump has made it clear that he will personally ensure the case is heard from his perspective. He has held theatrical news conferences, aggressively posted on social media, and criticized the judge overseeing the proceedings.

The judge, Juan Merchan, has mandated Trump's appearance in the courtroom, leaving limited windows for him to campaign, hence emphasizing the significance of weekend events, such as the postponed rally in Wilmington. Trump's frustration was evident when he expressed his desire to campaign in New Hampshire, Georgia, and the Carolinas but had to prioritize being present during what he perceives as an unfair trial.

Although his current legal battles may have altered his campaign schedule, the Trump campaign asserts that it is preparing a robust operation in battleground states, complete with paid teams and volunteers. Their focus remains on highlighting the contrast between what they perceive as Joe Biden's weaknesses and failures compared to Trump's record of success.

As the trial continues, all eyes are on Trump as he simultaneously tries to fight legal battles and rally his base. The outcome of both the trial and the upcoming election subversion case will undoubtedly influence his political future and the landscape of American politics.