GOP Legislators Enraged by Trump’s Verdict

Former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election by a New York jury, sparking immediate fury among Republican lawmakers. They widely criticized the trial and its conduct, questioning its legitimacy.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, and Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise were among those denouncing the verdict, calling it political and unjust. Other Republicans swiftly joined in attacking the judge, the jury, and even President Joe Biden, despite the trial being on state charges in Manhattan where Biden has no jurisdiction.

The jury found that Trump had falsified records to influence the election through hush money payments to a porn actor. Trump and his supporters condemned the trial as rigged and disgraceful, and he is expected to appeal the verdict.

The intense Republican backlash was unusual, with most lawmakers usually refraining from criticism of judges and juries. Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was one of the few to call for respect for the legal process before the verdict was announced.

Trump’s defense raised concerns about Judge Juan Manuel Merchan’s political leanings, but the judge affirmed his impartiality. The Republican outcry extended to other cases against Trump and his attacks on the judicial system.

The conviction made Trump the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. GOP lawmakers overwhelmingly supported Trump, with few exceptions like Sen. Bill Cassidy, who disagreed with the verdict but criticized the trial process.

Democrats celebrated the verdict and defended the legal process against GOP attacks. Senator Chris Murphy emphasized that Trump committed a crime, was caught, and convicted, asserting the rule of law.