Following his sentencing in the widely publicized New York hush-money case, President-elect Donald Trump delivered a fiery response, denouncing the proceedings as a politically motivated “witch hunt” orchestrated by what he called “radical Democrats.”
In a statement released shortly after the sentencing, Trump declared, “The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt.” He highlighted what he called the exorbitant costs and prolonged effort spent on the case, which he claimed distracted from addressing pressing issues such as crime in New York City.
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Despite the guilty verdict months earlier, the sentencing handed down by Judge Juan Merchan included an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump will face no jail time, fines, or probation. Trump seized on this outcome to argue the lack of merit in the case, stating, “That result alone proves that, as all Legal Scholars and Experts have said, THERE IS NO CASE, THERE WAS NEVER A CASE.”
Trump went further, claiming the case lacked substance and was driven by partisanship. “This whole Scam fully deserves to be DISMISSED,” he said, calling the trial “a despicable charade.”
Trump announced his intention to appeal the verdict, framing the legal battle as emblematic of a broader issue within the justice system. “Now that it is over, we will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once great System of Justice,” he said.
His statement also criticized the judge overseeing the case, calling him “highly conflicted,” and attacked the credibility of the prosecution’s star witness, referring to him as “a disbarred, disgraced, serial perjurer.”
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Trump tied the legal proceedings to his political campaign, claiming that the American people have already delivered their verdict by re-electing him with what he described as “an overwhelming MANDATE in one of the most consequential Elections in History.”
The case, which centered on allegations that Trump orchestrated hush-money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign, has been a focal point of legal and political debate. Trump has maintained that the charges were baseless and politically motivated, part of what he calls a broader effort to interfere in elections.
The sentencing marked a significant moment in the legal saga, but Trump’s comments have reignited partisan tensions. While his supporters see the case as an unjust attack on their chosen leader, critics argue it underscores the accountability required of public figures.
READ: CNN’s Elie Honig Explains Why Trump ‘Actually Gets A Benefit’ By Being Sentenced
As Trump’s legal team prepares to appeal, the case is set to remain in the spotlight, with both legal and political implications likely to ripple into his presidency.
Trump concluded his statement with a call to his supporters: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” As the president-elect transitions to the White House.
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