‘A Shameful Day in American History’: Republicans React to Trump Verdict

Republicans are loudly condemning the guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump’s New York “hush money” trial, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) saying the outcome represents “a shameful day in American history.”

The comments come after President Trump was convicted in Manhattan of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, becoming the first former president in American history to be convicted of a crime.

Republicans were quick to dismiss the conviction as being the predictable result of a politically motivated prosecution, saying the conviction represents the latest development in a legal system that’s been increasingly weaponized against President Trump and his allies.

At the same time, many expressed optimism that Americans would respond to the outcome with increased support for President Trump, and many indicated their belief that he’ll still win in November.

“The American people see this as lawfare, and they know it is wrong—and dangerous,“ he said. ”President Trump will rightfully appeal this absurd verdict—and he WILL WIN!”

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House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said the verdict “shows how corrupt and rigged the American justice system has become under Joe Biden.”

Like Mr. Johnson, Ms. Stefanik said the outcome was politically motivated, not a result of actual unlawful conduct on President Trump’s part.

“The facts are clear: this was a zombie case brought forward by Joe Biden’s allies in a desperate attempt to save Biden’s failing campaign, and the verdict hinged on the testimony of a convicted felon who was disbarred for lying,” Ms. Stefanik said, referencing the testimony of ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen, which formed the backbone of the case.

“From the start, the scales of justice were stacked against President Trump,” said Ms. Stefanik, adding that New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case, was “conflicted.”

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who’s investigated the first family as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said today is “a sad day for Americans.”

“This verdict in New York is another example of Democrats being relentless in their pursuit to weaponize the courts, abuse America’s judicial system, and target President Joe Biden’s political opposition,” Mr. Comer said. “One thing is clear: Democrats are afraid to face Donald Trump. Americans will make their voices heard this November.”

Senate Republicans, like their House counterparts, were also quick to condemn the verdict.

‘Disgrace to Rule of Law’

“This decision is a disgrace to the rule of law and our Constitution,” said Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), a populist who has been pegged as a potential running mate for President Trump.

“Dems invented a felony to ‘get Trump,’ with the help of a Soros-funded prosecutor and a Biden donor Judge, who rigged the entire case to get this outcome,” Mr. Vance said. “This isn’t justice, it’s election interference.”

“This verdict will tragically undermine Americans’ confidence in impartial justice. A sad day for America…” Mr. Paul wrote.

Other Senate allies of the former president also weighed in.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said in a statement that the case was “marred by unclear charges and irregular jury instructions” and that it “sets a dangerous precedent.”

“This was a political prosecution to help Joe Biden, a weaponization of our justice system that threatens the very fabric of our Republic,” Mr. Lee said.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called the conviction “legally baseless.”

“This entire trial has been a sham, and it is nothing more than political persecution,” Mr. Cruz said. “The only reason they prosecuted Donald Trump is because Democrats are terrified that he will win reelection.”

Now convicted, President Trump is set to face sentencing on July 11.

It’s unclear what actions, if any, Republicans in Congress will take in response to the conviction.