Former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records by a New York jury, with the charges related to attempts to influence the 2016 election. The verdict sparked immediate fury among Republican lawmakers, who questioned the legitimacy of the trial and its conduct.
House Speaker Mike Johnson described it as a 'shameful day in American history,' while Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance called it a 'disgrace to the judicial system.' Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise labeled the decision as 'a defeat for Americans who believe in the critical legal tenet that justice is blind.'
Despite the conviction coming on state charges in a Manhattan court, Republicans united in criticizing the judge, the jury, and even President Joe Biden. The jury found that Trump falsified records in a scheme involving hush money payments to a porn actor who claimed to have had a relationship with him.
While Trump is expected to appeal the verdict, Republicans have vehemently denounced the trial as 'rigged' and 'disgraceful.' The backlash against the judicial system was notable, with few lawmakers refraining from criticism of judges and juries.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan stood out by urging respect for the legal process and the verdict, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law in a divided political climate.
Despite Trump's defense team's complaints about the judge's alleged bias, the judge rejected calls for recusal, asserting his impartiality. Republicans have seized on Trump's attacks on the judiciary in this case and others related to the 2020 election.
The conviction marks Trump as the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes, with GOP lawmakers rallying behind him. Democrats celebrated the verdict, countering GOP claims of a rigged justice system.
As the legal battle continues, the political fallout from Trump's conviction is likely to shape the upcoming elections and further polarize the nation.
