The former reality TV star and other prominent Republicans express outrage after Trump becomes the first former U.S. President convicted of felony crimes.
- May 31, 2024
AceShowbiz - In a groundbreaking verdict, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been convicted of falsifying business records in his historic hush money trial. The bombshell decision has been met with fierce reactions, particularly from Caitlyn Jenner, who called the verdict "outrageous" and "corrupt."
The saga stems from an alleged 2006 affair between Trump and adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who claims to have received a $130,000 hush money payment during the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors argued that Trump disguised the payment as legal expenses, while his defense maintained it was legitimate compensation for legal services.
After nine and a half hours of deliberation, jurors found Trump guilty on all 34 counts, setting a sentencing date for July 11. Notably, despite the conviction and potential jail time, Trump remains in the running for the 2024 presidency.
Jenner, a longtime Trump supporter, took to social media to express her fury. She said, "Shame on the state of New York. Shame on the corrupt DOJ."
Other prominent Republicans have also condemned the verdict. Candace Owens called it "illegitimate," while Donald Trump Jr. declared it a "guilty verdict that doesn't shame Trump, it shames our country."
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance accused Democrats of inventing a felony to "get Trump," while Utah Senator Mike Lee said the decision "guaranteed Trump's election."
The verdict has sparked a wave of controversy and speculation on social media. Many have shared images of upside-down American flags, a symbol associated with the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Others have suggested that the verdict will secure Trump's reelection.
However, some have expressed support for the conviction. Comedian Megan Amram said, "Today was the day Donald Trump finally became president," while political activist Matt Walsh congratulated him on "winning the 2024 presidential election."
The verdict comes after weeks of dramatic evidence and testimony, lifting the lid on the "catch and kill" practices of the National Enquirer tabloid, which bought and suppressed stories potentially damaging to Trump.
The 12 jurors heard from 22 witnesses and considered the charges, which each carry a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. Despite the conviction, Trump maintains his innocence and plans to appeal.
