State, local political leaders offer swift response to guilty verdict for former President Trump

Former President Donald Trump spoke at a news conference on Friday at Trump Tower following Thursday’s guilty verdict in his New York criminal trial.

Republican leaders across the country are already speaking out for Trump, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was once Trump’s rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

DeSantis, a former JAG lawyer, did not mince words in a long social media post, saying if Trump wasn’t the one on trial the case never would have proceeded in the first place.

DeSantis, who began raising money recently for Trump’s presidential campaign, said, in part:

“In America, the rule of law should be applied in a dispassionate, even-handed manner, not become captive to the political agenda of some kangaroo court.”

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, both Republicans from Florida, also weighed in.

Scott called the verdict a “political witch hunt,” and said:

“This was a sham trial and the clearest example we’ve ever seen of election interference. I am furious and no American is safe from Democrat political persecution.”

Rubio said in part, “The verdict in New York is a complete travesty that makes a mockery of our system of justice.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also a Republican, posted on “X”:

“Banana republic. To orchestrate charges in an election year for something years earlier just to try and take out a political opponent - this is what people have been fleeing in 3rd World countries for decades. Embarrassing. Low point in American history. Sad day.”

Locally Florida Rep. Dean Black, who is also the chairman of the Republican Party of Duval County, posted a lengthy statement:

The truth of the matter is: Americans know that this sham verdict will be overturned on appeal and this entire trial will be remembered as a Today’s verdict is a sad day for America. Alvin Bragg campaigned on pursuing a witchhunt against President Trump, and unfortunately, he succeeded. It’s a stark reminder of the Democrats’ relentless pursuit of political gain, even at the expense of our justice system.

The truth of the matter is: Americans know that this sham verdict will be overturned on appeal and this entire trial will be remembered as a miscarriage of justice.

This campaign is not about today; it’s about Joe Biden and the Democrats’ failing record on border security, high prices, and a world that is less safe than four years ago. These issues will decide this election, not a conviction based on bogus charges in a deep blue city.

We look forward to President Trump’s re-election and Republican victories up and down the ballot.

If you stand with President Trump, please visit duval.gop to volunteer and contribute.

Chairman Dean Black, Republican Party of Duval County

Several Democratic leaders, on the other hand, said the verdict showed that the justice system worked.

U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who represents Southeast Florida, said:

“No one is above the law… There was no witch hunt, no foul play -- just the impartial application of justice that treats everyone equally, regardless of who they are.”

Florida House Democratic Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell called the conviction an unprecedented moment in history and added:

“It is time for Americans to come together to reject corruption, regardless of political party.”

Trump, who is scheduled to be sentenced July 11, said he will appeal the conviction.