Republicans were quick to dismiss the conviction as being the predictable result of a politically motivated prosecution.
Republicans are loudly condemning the guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump’s New York “hush money” trial, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) saying the outcome represents “a shameful day in American history.”
The comments come after President Trump was convicted in Manhattan of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, becoming the first former president in American history to be convicted of a crime.
Republicans were quick to dismiss the conviction as being the predictable result of a politically motivated prosecution, saying the conviction represents the latest development in a legal system that’s been increasingly weaponized against President Trump and his allies.
At the same time, many expressed optimism that Americans would respond to the outcome with increased support for President Trump, and many indicated their belief that he’ll still win in November.
“This was a purely political exercise, not a legal one,” Mr. Johnson said in a statement.
“The American people see this as lawfare, and they know it is wrong—and dangerous,“ he said. ”President Trump will rightfully appeal this absurd verdict—and he WILL WIN!”
House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said the verdict “shows how corrupt and rigged the American justice system has become under Joe Biden.”
Like Mr. Johnson, Ms. Stefanik said the outcome was politically motivated, not a result of actual 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, referencing 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,” said Ms. Stefanik, adding that New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case, was “conflicted.”
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said the same: “President Trump’s only ‘crime’ is running against Joe Biden in 2024. The American people see right through this weaponization of the legal system.”
By Joseph Lord
