Former U.S. President Donald Trump was stoic as the jury convicted him on all counts of falsifying business records, making him the first ex-president convicted of a crime. His lawyer, Todd Blanche, expressed surprise at Trump’s demeanor during the verdict reading, noting that Trump handled himself well despite the verdict. Trump’s response to the verdict was to vow to appeal, portraying himself as a victim of a “rigged” trial orchestrated by Democrats to derail his presidential campaign. President Joe Biden criticized Trump’s claims of a rigged trial, calling them reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible.
Blanche defended Trump’s accusations of unfair treatment by pointing to the multiple other criminal cases pending against him, including accusations of trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and illegally possessing classified records. He emphasized that it was natural for Trump to believe the law was being used unfairly against him due to the various indictments against him. Blanche highlighted the importance of allowing Trump to express his concerns about the legal system, even in the face of criticism from figures like Biden. The jury’s verdict came as a surprise to many involved, with Blanche noting the unexpected timing and the stress of awaiting the decision.
Trump’s decision not to testify in his defense was ultimately his own, with Blanche stating that Trump had wanted to testify but knew it would be challenging due to the complex legal issues involved. The defense team believed that Trump’s testimony could have led to distractions and challenges, making the decision not to testify a strategic one. Despite the possibility of jail time for Trump, Blanche emphasized the unique circumstances of the case, including Trump’s age and status as a first-time offender who had also served as president. He acknowledged the contentious nature of the upcoming sentencing hearing, where the defense will argue for a non-incarceratory sentence.
The high-profile nature of Trump’s case, along with the significant public interest, is likely to make his sentencing a contentious and closely watched event. With Trump’s sentencing scheduled for July 11, the legal proceedings surrounding the former president are far from over. Blanche and the defense team will continue to advocate for Trump, emphasizing his unique circumstances and arguing for a fair and just outcome in light of the complexities of the case. The aftermath of the verdict and Trump’s response to his conviction will continue to shape the narrative around his legal troubles and political future, as he faces multiple legal challenges.
