MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The verdict is in. Former president Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts in his New York hush money trial. This marks the first time a former or sitting president has been convicted of felony crimes.
Shortly after the verdict was released, the Alabama GOP and Republican legislators representing the state released statements:
Alabama State GOP:
"The Alabama Republican Party fully stands behind Donald Trump. The leftist-inspired court case against him is clearly politically motivated. The facts surrounding this entire situation date back to 2016. These Democrat elected officials had eight years to bring charges but chose to act only when Donald Trump started leading Joe Biden in the polls. The justice system should never be used as a political weapon, and we are deeply disappointed by what we have seen throughout this case.
"It is crucial to recognize that one of the true enemies of democracy is the misuse of the justice system to target political opponents. With the conviction of Donald J. Trump, it is evident that our country is heading in a very dangerous direction. This is not how a republic or a democracy should be run. The conviction of a former president, especially one who is a current candidate for the presidency, sets a troubling precedent.
"Throughout American history, our Republic has been anchored by principles of fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law. These principles are now at risk when legal actions appear motivated by political agendas rather than genuine legal infractions. Targeting a former president through legal means not only undermines the integrity of our judicial system but also threatens the very foundations of our democratic system.
"The people of America should decide who our next president is, not Democrat elected officials or politically motivated prosecutions. This fundamental principle is at the heart of our democratic process. Our nation must remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring that the legal system is used to uphold justice, not as a tool for political gain."
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL):
"Pure election interference. My full statement on today's verdict against President Trump:
"It's a very dark day in American history. This 'trial' was a political witch hunt from the start. The fact that the Biden campaign staged a press conference outside the court tells you everything you need to know.
"Liberal activist Alvin Bragg and Biden-donor Judge Merchan had a shared goal: to put President Trump behind bars. Whether you consider the lopsided jury, the gag order issued to silence only President Trump, the prosecutions failure to outline the underlying crimes, or the lack of a unanimous verdict required for conviction, this trial was a complete joke and a massive misuse of taxpayer dollars.
"This is pure election interference and the American people will see through it. We can't have a two-tier justice system. If we don't return to our constitution, which guarantees every U.S. citizen the right to free speech and the right to a fair trial by an impartial jury, we are no better than Venezuela or Communist China."
Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama)
"Today is a sad and shameful day. Democrats just set the dangerous, destructive precedent of the party in power weaponizing prosecutorial powers against their political adversary. This is a hallmark of a banana republic, not a constitutional republic.
"Make no mistake-Americans won't tolerate a two-tiered system of justice, and the real verdict will come on November 5."
U.S. Representative Teri Sewell (D-AL District 7)
"After evaluating the evidence and the facts of the case, a jury has found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts.
"Today's verdict confirms that no one is above the law - not even a former president.
"Justice has been served."
U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL District 6)
"The Trump trial has been nothing more than a political assassination attempt. The only reason this case proceeded is because the defendant's name is Donald Trump.
"The left will do anything to stop him before the election in November."
U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL District 5)
"My statement on the Trump verdict:
"I am disheartened by the verdict. I strongly believe that these charges would not have been brought against Donald Trump had he not sought the office of President. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought this case because of politics, not justice. It is clear Democrats weaponized our court system to try to undermine President Trump."
U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL District 4)
"Trump Verdict: The prosecutors in this case, with I believe help from the bench, had to take the law and make origami out of it to try and get the verdict they wanted. This was not about justice. This was about politics. This will be overturned on appeal. ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT."
U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL District 3)
"Alvin Bragg just made a mockery of the American Justice System. Today's verdict is disheartening for our country, but I am hopeful that American's can rectify this injustice on Election Day."
U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-AL District 2)
"This will go down in history as a sad day for America. This verdict is a travesty of justice in a kangaroo court, and it proves Joe Biden's sole focus is not to help the American people, but instead to weaponize against his political opponents to help his reelection during a failing administration."
U.S. Representative Jerry Carl (R-AL District 1)
"This verdict is an absolute disgrace and an abuse of the American justice system.
"The American People can see right through the Left's tactics of weaponizing the courts to keep an innocent man from returning to the Presidency.
"Our country needs Trump back in the White House."