The historic conviction of Donald Trump in his hush money trial has evoked strong reactions from both supporters and detractors of the former president.
Donald Trump was found guilty by a jury of 34 counts of falsifying business records in a Manhattan courthouse, a verdict that has polarized public opinion.
Matthew Turner, a New York resident, expressed his belief that the conviction will boost Trump’s popularity. “I think it’s going to make him more popular with the American people because they’re seeing how he’s being targeted and mistreated,” Turner said. “They’re targeting this man because he’s about to be president again.”
John McGuigan, another Trump supporter, shared his outrage. “They convicted an innocent man today,” McGuigan stated. “Meanwhile, rapists and murderers are running around the streets of New York.”
Katelyn Hagen, a 28-year-old medical device manager in Houston, vehemently disagreed with the verdict, calling the entire process corrupt. “I think the entire thing is corrupt and is a witch hunt since day one,” she said. “They want to do everything in their power for Trump not to run against Biden because they know that he will beat Biden.”
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Several Miami residents of Cuban origin, interviewed outside a Cuban restaurant Trump visited last year, also declared their unwavering support. “I am going to vote for him a hundred times,” said Mickel Perz Ruiz, 47. “He is the only one who can move the country forward.” Miguel Zambrera, 58, accused the case of being politically motivated, saying, “The jury was majority Democrat. We are full of communists here, and if America does not wake up, communism will come here and destroy it.”
On the other side of the courthouse, anti-Trump protesters celebrated the guilty verdict. Vivica Jimenez, among the group of protesters, expressed her relief and happiness. “It’s been a long time waiting for this,” Jimenez said. “It’s very emotional.”
Jamie Bauer, another protester, praised the outcome. “Justice is being served, and Trump is being held accountable,” Bauer remarked.
Edith Silva, a 23-year-old banquet worker from Houston, Texas, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m glad. He’s getting exactly what he deserves,” Silva said. “And I hope he doesn’t get to run for office again.”
In Los Angeles, Lee Downey, 58, welcomed the verdict with enthusiasm. “Beautiful!” Downey exclaimed. “He has been a criminal for decades. They finally got him.” Michelle Carter, 44, also in Los Angeles, believed the conviction was justified but remained skeptical about the consequences. “Nothing’s going to come of it,” Carter said. “He won’t see any time.”
Thomas Poundstone, a 65-year-old professor from California, commented on the strength of the evidence against Trump. “The evidence against Trump was pretty clear,” Poundstone said outside the White House in Washington. “But I can’t see this ultimately dislodging that loyal Republican base.”
Susan Prolman, a 59-year-old Washington resident, argued that Trump has been committing crimes for years, and it’s only now that he’s being held accountable. “Trump has been committing crimes his whole life, and it wasn’t until recently that it finally caught up with him,” she said.
Diane Normandin, a tourist visiting Washington, speculated that the conviction could impact Trump’s reelection hopes. “Are the American people going to want to elect a convicted felon as president?” she questioned.
The conviction has undeniably sparked a nationwide debate, reflecting the deep divisions within the country over Donald Trump’s legacy and future in American politics.
