Republicans across America are loudly condemning the guilty verdict handed down to former President Donald Trump in his recent New York “hush money” trial. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has labeled the outcome as “a shameful day in American history.
President Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in Manhattan, making him the first former president to be convicted of a crime in American history. Republicans have been quick to dismiss this conviction as a predictable result of politically motivated prosecution. They argue that the conviction is merely the latest development in an increasingly weaponized legal system against President Trump and his allies.
In addition to voicing their disdain for the outcome, many Republicans express optimism that Americans will respond positively to the verdict. They believe this may lead to increased support for President Trump in November’s election. The American people see this as lawfare, and they know it is wrong—and dangerous,” Johnson said. President Trump will rightfully appeal this absurd verdict—and he WILL WIN.
House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) also criticized the conviction, calling it a demonstration of how corrupt and rigged the American justice system has become under Joe Biden. Like Mr. Johnson, Ms. Stefanik believes that the outcome was politically motivated rather than an actual representation of unlawful conduct on President Trump’s part.
The facts are clear: this was a zombie case brought forward by Joe Biden’s allies in a desperate attempt to save Biden’s failing campaign, and the verdict hinged on the testimony of a convicted felon who was disbarred for lying,” Ms. Stefanik said, referring to the testimony of ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen, which formed the backbone of the case.
From the start, the scales of justice were stacked against President Trump,” Ms. Stefanik added, mentioning that New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case, was “conflicted.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who has investigated the first family as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, called today a “sad day for Americans.
This verdict in New York is another example of Democrats being relentless in their pursuit to weaponize the courts, abuse America’s judicial system, and target President Joe Biden’s political opposition,” Mr. Comer said. One thing is clear: Democrats are afraid to face Donald Trump. Americans will make their voices heard this November.
Dems invented a felony to ‘get Trump,’ with the help of a Soros-funded prosecutor and a Biden donor Judge, who rigged the entire case to get this outcome,” Mr. Vance said. This isn’t justice, it’s election interference.
This verdict will tragically undermine Americans’ confidence in impartial justice. A sad day for America…” Mr. Paul wrote.
Other Senate allies of the former president also weighed in. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said in a statement that the case was “marred by unclear charges and irregular jury instructions” and that it “sets a dangerous precedent.
This was a political prosecution to help Joe Biden, a weaponization of our justice system that threatens the very fabric of our Republic,” Mr. Lee said.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called the conviction “legally baseless.
This entire trial has been a sham, and it is nothing more than political persecution,” Mr. Cruz said. The only reason they prosecuted Donald Trump is because Democrats are terrified that he will win reelection.
Now convicted, President Trump is set to face sentencing on July 11th. It remains unclear what actions, if any, Republicans in Congress may take in response to the conviction.