Former United States President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of criticism on Friday, denouncing his opponents as “sick” and labeling his trial as “very unfair,” following his historic conviction as the first former US president to become a convicted felon.
Speaking at a press conference in the Trump Tower lobby in Manhattan, Trump confirmed his intention to appeal what he deemed a “scam” trial. However, the event quickly devolved into a 35-minute diatribe filled with insults, unsubstantiated claims, and tangents, reflecting his deep-seated frustration.
Trump lambasted Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, accusing him of tyranny and unjustly crucifying witnesses. He also veered into attacks on President Joe Biden and immigrants, alleging that they posed significant threats to the country.
The trial, which concluded with Trump being found guilty on all 34 charges related to falsifying business records, centered on hush money payments to silence porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. While facing a potential prison sentence, Trump is more likely to receive probation, with sentencing scheduled for July 11.
The conviction has injected further uncertainty into the already tense political landscape, with Trump’s campaign framing him as a “political prisoner” and capitalizing on the verdict to solicit donations. Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law while urging a focus on the upcoming election.
International reactions to Trump’s conviction varied, with a spokesman for Vladimir Putin suggesting it was akin to the elimination of political rivals, a claim dismissed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini portrayed Trump as a victim of judicial harassment.
As Trump’s legal battles continue, the implications for the November election remain uncertain, with Biden balancing the need to address Trump’s legal challenges while maintaining focus on his administration’s agenda.
