Following his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, former President Donald J. Trump swiftly dismissed the trial as illegitimate and the jury’s verdict as inconsequential, as he continued to focus on his upcoming presidential campaign.
“The true verdict will come from the people on Nov. 5,” Mr. Trump stated outside the courtroom shortly after the jury’s decision. “They know what really happened here.”
In a brief address, Mr. Trump reiterated his belief that the case was politically motivated to hinder his potential return to the White House.
While he criticized various figures including Manhattan’s district attorney, President Biden, and Democrats, Mr. Trump’s demeanor appeared less impassioned compared to his earlier statements during the trial. His remarks seemed more rehearsed than spontaneous.
Mr. Trump maintained his innocence, as he has in all previous criminal cases against him. “We did nothing wrong,” he asserted. “I am completely innocent.”
He continued to allege that the case was orchestrated by President Biden, despite the fact that Manhattan’s district attorney operates independently from the Justice Department.
Furthermore, Mr. Trump criticized the judge, Juan M. Merchan, accusing him of bias and corruption. He also raised concerns about receiving a fair trial in Manhattan, a predominantly Democratic area.
Despite the verdict, Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, affirmed that he would not halt his campaign and intends to appeal the conviction.
Sentencing is set for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention, where Mr. Trump is expected to be officially nominated as the party’s candidate.
“We will continue to fight for our Constitution. This is far from over,” Mr. Trump declared to reporters. “Thank you.”
