Former President Donald Trump spoke at a news conference on Friday at Trump Tower following Thursday’s guilty verdict in his New York criminal trial.
Republican leaders across the country are already speaking out for Trump, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was once Trump’s rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
DeSantis, a former JAG lawyer, did not mince words in a long social media post, saying if Trump wasn’t the one on trial the case never would have proceeded in the first place.
DeSantis, who began raising money recently for Trump’s presidential campaign, said, in part:
“In America, the rule of law should be applied in a dispassionate, even-handed manner, not become captive to the political agenda of some kangaroo court.”
Today’s verdict represents the culmination of a legal process that has been bent to the political will of the actors involved: a leftist prosecutor, a partisan judge and a jury reflective of one of the most liberal enclaves in America—all in an effort to “get” Donald Trump.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 30, 2024
That…
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, both Republicans from Florida, also weighed in.
Scott called the verdict a “political witch hunt,” and said:
“This was a sham trial and the clearest example we’ve ever seen of election interference. I am furious and no American is safe from Democrat political persecution.”
This was a sham trial and the clearest example we’ve ever seen of election interference. I am furious and no American is safe from Democrat political persecution.
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) May 30, 2024
Joe Biden and the Democrat machine manufactured a legal case against Trump to win an election. I went to New York… pic.twitter.com/Hp8oM81Fdn
Rubio said in part, “The verdict in New York is a complete travesty that makes a mockery of our system of justice.”
The verdict in New York is a complete travesty that makes a mockery of our system of justice
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 30, 2024
A political show trial conducted by an openly pro-Biden judge whose daughter makes money off the case, a jury from the most liberal county in America, absurd and ridiculous charges and…
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also a Republican, posted on “X”:
“Banana republic. To orchestrate charges in an election year for something years earlier just to try and take out a political opponent - this is what people have been fleeing in 3rd World countries for decades. Embarrassing. Low point in American history. Sad day.”
Locally Florida Rep. Dean Black, who is also the chairman of the Republican Party of Duval County, posted a lengthy statement:
The truth of the matter is: Americans know that this sham verdict will be overturned on appeal and this entire trial will be remembered as a Today’s verdict is a sad day for America. Alvin Bragg campaigned on pursuing a witchhunt against President Trump, and unfortunately, he succeeded. It’s a stark reminder of the Democrats’ relentless pursuit of political gain, even at the expense of our justice system.
The truth of the matter is: Americans know that this sham verdict will be overturned on appeal and this entire trial will be remembered as a miscarriage of justice.
This campaign is not about today; it’s about Joe Biden and the Democrats’ failing record on border security, high prices, and a world that is less safe than four years ago. These issues will decide this election, not a conviction based on bogus charges in a deep blue city.
We look forward to President Trump’s re-election and Republican victories up and down the ballot.
If you stand with President Trump, please visit duval.gop to volunteer and contribute.
Chairman Dean Black, Republican Party of Duval County
Several Democratic leaders, on the other hand, said the verdict showed that the justice system worked.
U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who represents Southeast Florida, said:
“No one is above the law… There was no witch hunt, no foul play -- just the impartial application of justice that treats everyone equally, regardless of who they are.”
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW, including the four-time indicted, twice impeached, and now convicted felon, President Trump.
— Rep. Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) May 30, 2024
There was no witch hunt—just the impartial application of the law. Republicans should reconsider the disgraceful figure they're pushing to lead our nation.
Florida House Democratic Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell called the conviction an unprecedented moment in history and added:
“It is time for Americans to come together to reject corruption, regardless of political party.”
It’s an unprecedented moment in our history. The former President and presumptive Republican nominee is now a convicted felon, guilty of all 34 charges.
— Representative Fentrice Driskell (@FentriceForFL) May 30, 2024
It is time for Americans to come together to reject corruption, regardless of political party.
Trump, who is scheduled to be sentenced July 11, said he will appeal the conviction.