Former President Donald Trump has denounced his guilty verdict in a New York criminal case, labeling it a "scam" and accusing the Justice Department of weaponization for political purposes.
Former President Donald Trump has vehemently criticized the guilty verdict handed down in the New York criminal case against him, alleging that it is a politically motivated attack and a dangerous weaponization of the justice system.
Speaking exclusively to "Fox & Friends Weekend," Trump expressed outrage over the Manhattan jury's findings that he falsified business records on 34 counts. He asserted that the trial was a "scam" and that the Republican Party stands firmly behind him, recognizing the injustice of the prosecution.
"People get it. It's a scam," Trump declared. "And the Republican Party… they've stuck together in this. They see it's a weaponization of the Justice Department of the FBI and that's all coming out of Washington."
Trump's interview, which aired in segments throughout the show, delved into the political fallout and legal implications of the guilty verdict. He pointed to polls indicating a surge in his approval ratings among Republicans, suggesting that the verdict has galvanized his base of support.
One Daily Mail poll, conducted in the immediate aftermath of the verdict, showed a 6-point increase in Trump's approval rating. This positive reaction among Republican voters underscores the potential impact of the verdict on the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Trump emphasized the perceived unfairness of the case, particularly the denial of his request to move the venue from Manhattan to a more politically favorable location. He also criticized Judge Juan Merchan, accusing him of bias towards the prosecution.
"We had probably, maybe the worst area in the whole country for me in terms of the vote… and they always bring them [charges] in these sections. They're places where Republicans get virtually no votes," Trump argued.
Undeterred by the guilty verdict, Trump's legal team has vowed to appeal the conviction. The appeal will be heard by the New York court of appeals and could potentially reach higher courts.
Trump's fundraising efforts have also surged in the wake of the verdict, with his campaign website experiencing a record number of donations. The verdict seems to have energized his supporters and further fueled his political ambitions.
Trump's leads in several key swing state polls against President Biden suggest that the guilty verdict may not significantly affect his electability in 2024. Some voters appear to view the prosecution as politically motivated and may not hold it against him.
However, the legal battle over the guilty verdict is likely to continue for some time, and the outcome could have significant implications for Trump's future political prospects.
