Hush Money Case: Donald Trump Denounces Guilty Verdict As 'Rigged Trial', Attacks Star Witness

Trump's vehement rhetoric sought to undermine the credibility of New York's criminal justice system, dismissing the verdict as politically motivated and downplaying the factual basis of the case.

New Delhi: Former US president Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on the judge overseeing his criminal trial, as he resumed his campaigning efforts from his Manhattan tower. Despite being convicted on 34 felony charges related to attempts to influence the 2016 election, the former US president remained defiant, seeking to portray his conviction as a driving force for his latest White House bid rather than an obstacle.

Trump's vehement rhetoric sought to undermine the credibility of New York's criminal justice system, dismissing the verdict as politically motivated and downplaying the factual basis of the case, reported AP.

“It’s not hush money. It’s a nondisclosure agreement. Totally legal, totally common,” he said, as quoted by AP.

In a message aimed to galvanise his supporters, he cast himself as a martyr, suggesting that if it could happen to him, “They can do this to anyone.”

“I’m willing to do whatever I have to do to save our country and save our Constitution. I don’t mind,” he said. “So we will continue the fight.”

While Donald Trump's conviction seemed to galvanise his core supporters and attract donations to his campaign, its impact on independent voters remains uncertain, a key demographic in the upcoming election. Trump's unprecedented situation, facing a felony conviction and the specter of prison time, sets a new precedent in American politics.

He is expected to continue making his legal battles a focal point of his campaign, maintaining his unsubstantiated claims that the charges against him are politically motivated by the Biden administration. The case against him was brought by local prosecutors in Manhattan, not affiliated with the Justice Department or the White House, further fueling Trump's narrative of being targeted unfairly.

Despite presenting himself as a staunch supporter of law enforcement, Trump has consistently criticised aspects of the criminal justice system, particularly when it concerns his own legal troubles, casting doubt on the integrity of agents and prosecutors involved.

Trump, diverging from his recent appearances at a Manhattan courthouse, opted for a return to campaign-style rhetoric on Friday, addressing supporters from the familiar setting of the atrium in his Trump Tower, the brass and rose marble lobby where he descended his golden escalator to announce his 2016 campaign nine years ago next month.

'We Are Going To Fight': Donald Trump

“We’re going to fight,” Trump said. “I’m wired in such a way that a lot of people would have gone away a long time ago.”

Following his tense emergence from the courtroom post-verdict, Trump's demeanor shifted at Trump Tower, where he appeared more relaxed as he addressed supporters. Despite the historic ruling, his speech mirrored his pre-conviction rally style.

Trump transitioned from attacking Biden to discussing his case, expressing frustration at potential jail time for violating a gag order. He critiqued trial proceedings, making false statements and misrepresentations.

Trump's decision not to testify, despite expressing a desire to do so, raised questions about potential legal implications. He cited concerns about being charged with perjury for any verbal misstep during cross-examination. Trump also tested the boundaries of the gag order by publicly criticising Michael Cohen, his former fixer and a key prosecution witness, whom he referred to as "a sleazebag." 

In his speech at Trump Tower, Donald Trump revisited familiar themes, portraying the U.S. under Biden as corrupt and fascist. Notably absent was his wife Melania Trump, who has remained publicly silent since the verdict. However, his son Eric Trump and daughter-in-law Lara Trump were present for the event.

Outside the tower, contrasting displays unfolded, with supporters flying a large "TRUMP OR DEATH" sign, while a small group of protesters held signs advocating for justice and highlighting the guilty verdict, AP reported.

Trump's Campaign Announces Staggering $34.8 Million In Donations After Guilty Verdict

Following the guilty verdict, Trump's campaign announced a staggering $34.8 million in donations, surpassing what his political operation raised in January and February combined. Despite preparations for the possibility of a guilty verdict, Trump and his team had maintained defiance, with Trump himself suggesting that even someone as revered as Mother Teresa couldn't beat the charges, which he labeled as "rigged", AP's report stated.

Despite the looming legal battle, Trump's aides released a memo asserting that the verdict would have no bearing on the upcoming election, regardless of the outcome.

The verdict hit Trump like a thunderbolt as he listened, stone-faced, to the jury's decision of guilty on every count. In response, his campaign launched a frenzied fundraising blitz, painting Trump as a "political prisoner" in text messages, despite the uncertainty of his sentence.

Meanwhile, GOP allies rushed to his defense. Adding a somber tone, the campaign even introduced black "Make America Great Again" caps, symbolising what they termed a "dark day in history", reported AP.

Aides reported an immediate rush of contributions so intense that WinRed, the platform the campaign uses for fundraising, crashed. The $34.8 million raised Thursday did not include what Trump collected at his in-person fundraiser or any donations that continued to come in online Friday.

Trump is set in the upcoming two months to have his first debate with Biden, announce a running mate and formally accept his party’s nomination at the Republican National Convention.

But before he goes to Milwaukee for the RNC, Trump will have to return to court on July 11 for sentencing. He could face penalties ranging from a fine or probation up to four years in prison.