Donald Trump supporters are holding steadfast in their allegiance to the former president even after he was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his Manhattan hush money trial. Billy Pierce of Hartsville, South Carolina, dismissed the verdict as “an abuse of the justice system” and accused President Joe Biden and Democrats of using the prosecution to try to keep Trump out of office. Similarly, Andrew Konchek of New Hampshire sarcastically referred to former President Bill Clinton’s personal scandals and questioned the credibility of former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, the prosecution’s star witness.
Debbie Katsanos, another Trump backer from New Hampshire, expressed skepticism during the jury deliberations, claiming she saw “no crime” at a felony level and questioned the fairness of the justice system being used in a political way. Despite the guilty verdict, Iowa Trump supporter Chris Mudd remained unwavering in his support for the former president, saying he believed the outcome was “bad for America.”
On the other hand, Biden supporters like Darrell Ann Murphy of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, celebrated the verdict, calling it a “great day” and expressing relief that Trump was finally held accountable. Pat Levin, another Biden voter in the same county, saw the verdict as a affirmation of the rule of law and the limits of executive power.
The reactions to Trump’s conviction are reflective of the deep political divisions that persist in America. Supporters of the former president remain steadfast in their loyalty, while those who oppose him see the verdict as a step towards accountability. As Trump prepares to be sentenced in July, the impact of the conviction on his political future remains to be seen.