In his first extended remarks since the New York jury found him guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money trial, Trump expressed his frustration with the verdict through a series of rambling comments.
Less than 24 hours after receiving guilty verdicts on 34 felony counts, Donald Trump addressed the media at Trump Tower, offering a 40-minute tirade filled with inaccuracies and defensiveness. Trump, the first former president to be convicted of a crime, blamed President Joe Biden and Washington for his legal troubles, calling his prosecution a “witch hunt.” During the news conference, he criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan, whom he accused of being “conflicted.” Despite being under a gag order, Trump discussed the perceived conflicts and violated the order multiple times during the trial, resulting in fines totaling $10,000.
While Trump faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, legal experts suggest he may avoid imprisonment due to factors such as his age and lack of a criminal record. The guilty verdicts have sparked political divisions, with Democrats celebrating and anti-Trump Republicans proclaiming justice served, while Trump’s base remains staunchly supportive, evident in record-breaking GOP fundraising following the verdict. Trump’s post-verdict activities, including attending fundraisers and receiving donations from prominent Republicans, indicate ongoing support within the party despite the legal setbacks.