America’s most prominent politicians are responding to the news of former President Donald Trump’s conviction in a Manhattan court on Thursday.
After two days of careful consideration, a New York jury has reached a verdict, finding Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records. The purpose behind these actions was to conceal hush money payments.
In a historic decision, Donald Trump becomes the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony criminal charges, although his sentencing is still pending.
Trump maintained his defiance even after the conviction.
“This trial was an absolute disgrace. It was clear that the judge overseeing it was biased and corrupt,” Trump expressed his frustration on Thursday afternoon. He further added, “Despite our request for a change of venue, they refused to grant it. We had minimal support, only around 5% or 6% in this district and area.”
The date of the election, November 5th, will be the true verdict, he stated.
According to Trump, there is no doubt about what transpired. He firmly asserts his innocence, stating that he did nothing wrong. Trump confidently proclaims that he is fighting for the well-being of our country and the integrity of our Constitution.
The ruling prompted swift responses from politicians across the political spectrum.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, wasted no time in expressing his strong disapproval of the decision.
“Today marks a dark moment in American history,” stated Johnson, expressing his deep dismay. “The American people perceive this as an unjust use of the law, and they recognize the inherent dangers it poses. President Trump will undoubtedly challenge this outrageous decision, and he will emerge victorious!”
Johnson criticized the trial, referring to it as a “weaponization of our justice system” and a “purely political exercise, not a legal one.”
U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York and a vocal critic of President Trump, swiftly expressed his approval, stating that the verdict was fair and just.
Nadler expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the trial in Lower Manhattan, stating that justice was served. He emphasized that the conviction on all 34 counts further validates their long-held belief that Donald Trump is not suitable for any elected position, particularly the presidency. Having led both impeachments of Trump, Nadler expressed his pride in being a New Yorker, with Manhattan leading the charge in holding him accountable as a felon.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is considered a rival to Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, criticized the decision, stating that it was influenced by the “political agenda of some kangaroo court.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his opinion on the recent verdict, stating that he believes the legal process was influenced by political motivations. According to DeSantis, a leftist prosecutor, a partisan judge, and a jury from a liberal enclave were all involved in an attempt to target former President Donald Trump.
According to U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., he believes that the decision upholds the rule of law.
“Donald Trump has been convicted of a felony. This outcome is not a victory for any individual, but rather a triumph for the concept that we are all bound by the same set of rules. Today, the rule of law has emerged as the ultimate winner,” he emphasized.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, expressed his disapproval of the ruling on Thursday.
According to Rubio, the verdict in New York is a complete travesty that mocks our justice system. He believes that Biden and the Trump deranged left will go to any lengths to retain their power.