“The future of our nation hangs in the balance,” declared the House Speaker in Peoria on Saturday, as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump exchanged reactions to Trump’s guilty verdict in New York.
On Thursday, a New York jury convicted Trump on 34 felony counts in a case involving hush money payments to an adult film actress.
According to Trump, he did not commit any wrongdoing and believes that the trial was unjust and fraudulent. He plans to exercise his right to appeal the decision. Biden acknowledges that Trump has the option to appeal the verdict.
“It is absolutely reckless, dangerous, and completely irresponsible for anyone to claim that this verdict was rigged simply because they are unhappy with it,” stated President Biden on Friday.
During a fundraiser in Peoria, Illinois, on Saturday, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, emphasized that his party stands for law and order. However, he also acknowledged the need to hold the judicial system accountable when it is being misused.
Johnson expressed his disbelief at the notion that a political party would manipulate the judicial system and legal proceedings for their own political gain. He likened such actions to those typically seen in a banana republic or a third world country, rather than in the United States of America. Johnson made these remarks before addressing the Peoria and Tazewell county Republicans.
Illinois U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Schaumburg, took to social media to express his belief that former President Trump was indeed convicted by a jury of his peers. In a conversation with social media influencer Ed Krassenstein, Krishnamoorthi voiced his opinion on the matter following last week’s verdict.
He expressed his doubts about how a felony conviction could benefit someone running for office.
According to Johnson, the Republican Party is experiencing a surge in funding following the conviction.
“We raise more money,” Johnson emphasized, pointing out the reason behind it. “Why? Because people witness the power of lawfare in action. They observe how the Republican Party’s nominee is being targeted, and how the judicial system is being exploited to pursue a political rival. This is precisely what the Democratic party and these rogue prosecutors have resorted to, and I believe it’s leaving people feeling utterly appalled.”
According to him, the Democrats’ verdict is having a negative impact as he cautioned that certain individuals are aiming to gain power in order to dismantle the United States.
“They have a vision for America that goes beyond a constitutional republic and leans towards a European-style socialist utopia. However, we recognize that such a vision is unrealistic and impractical. In order to protect and preserve our republic, and to safeguard the greatest country in history, we must prioritize the defense of its foundational principles. This is the critical task before us.”
According to Johnson, an exciting time is approaching as Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. So, buckle your seatbelts!
Johnson attended a Republican fundraiser in Peoria on Saturday, where he expressed his support for retired circuit court Judge Joe McGraw. McGraw is considering running for the 17th Congressional District seat currently held by Eric Sorensen, a Democrat from Moline, Illinois.
The election date has been set for November 5th.