In a high-stake ruling, former President Donald Trump has been convicted on all charges brought against him.
In his closing argument this week, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the jury that “the law is the law, and it applies to everyone equally. There is no special standard for this defendant.”
Throughout the trial, Trump’s defense team argued there was a lack of substantial evidence and accused the prosecution of political bias. “This is not just a trial of Donald Trump, but a trial of our political system itself,” said Trump’s lead attorney during closing arguments.
Supporters of the former president have been quick to express their unyielding support for Trump, suggesting that the trial was influenced by political motives rather than a pursuit of justice. “We are witnessing a manipulation of the legal system for political gain,” commented a local supporter.
Local elected officials took to social media and press releases to express their support of the former president or for the convictions.
Congressman Chris Deluzio, who represents Pittsburgh, made a statement on twitter. Republican small business owner and current state representative Rob Mercuri has not released remarks on the verdict.
No one is above the law.
— Congressman Chris Deluzio (@RepDeluzio) May 31, 2024
The other Congressman representing the city of Pittsburgh, Summer Lee, only reposted a statement about how those with felony convictions should be able to run for office in Pennsylvania.
As a convicted felon can run for the highest office in the country, all impacted people should also be able to run for office across the commonwealth. We need to end felony candidate disenfranchisement in Pennsylvania.
— 1HoodPower (@1HoodPower) May 30, 2024
Congressman Mike Kelly, who represents the district north of Pittsburgh, supported Trump.
This case against President Trump was loaded with biases and conflicts of interest from the beginning. Americans should be outraged. My full statement ⬇ pic.twitter.com/bOMt0enUnm
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) May 31, 2024
As the fallout from this conviction begins to unfold, the implications for Trump’s campaign future are yet to be fully realized by politicos.
May 30-31 poll of 2,657 U.S. adults
• 27% of Americans say Trump's conviction in the hush-money case makes it less likely they'll vote for him
• 26% of Americans say it makes them more likely to vote for him
• 39% say it makes no differencehttps://t.co/hDY9E7EKAq pic.twitter.com/werN7Iwc5T— YouGov America (@YouGovAmerica) May 31, 2024
Trump himself has vowed to appeal the decision, asserting his innocence and criticizing the judicial process. “I have done nothing wrong, and we will continue to fight,” Trump assured his supporters in a statement released shortly after the verdict.
Legal experts predict a lengthy appeals process, likely prolonging the national debate until after the November election.
