(WHTM) - Political leaders across Pennsylvania are reacting Thursday after former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony charges in New York connected to hush money payments made to a porn star.
Dave McCormick, Republican U.S. Senate nominee - "This is a terrible day for America and for trust in our justice system. As CNN’s Fareed Zakaria said, "I doubt the New York indictment would have been brought against a defendant whose name was not Donald Trump." This case should never have been brought in the first place, and this miscarriage of justice is despicable. I look forward to the appeal."
Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) - “These are the actions of a dictator, plain and simple. Joe Biden has corrupted the awesome power of the U.S. government. His and his radical Left minions’ weaponization of “lawfare“ to destroy their political opponents is nothing more than a Soviet-style show trial, replete with fake charges, the impossibility of innocence, and a predetermined outcome; it’s clear to anyone who even remotely values and respects our Constitution. Donald Trump has been persecuted relentlessly at the hands of the Left for political gain, and the American People know it – which is why he’s even more strongly supported around the Nation. Joe Biden has crushed our economy, imperiled our national interests and security, and emboldened our enemies. His actions set us squarely in line with the Third World. Today it’s Trump. If they can manufacture the crime to fit the man, guess what? You’re next. Joe Biden and his minions must be defeated in November. America can’t withstand any more tyranny. This is breathtaking outrage, and far beyond the bounds of politics and elections. The future of our Democratic Republic has never been more at risk.”
Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) - "Joe Biden and Alvin Bragg weaponized our judicial system, turning our nation into a banana republic filled with kangaroo courts designed to target their political rivals. It's the worst abuse of power in American history. Pray for our nation and President Trump."
Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) - "Joe and Hunter Biden get special treatment, Trump is dragged through a sham trial. Two justice systems. Very sad day for the country and rule of law."
Congressman John Joyce (R-PA) - "From day one, far left prosecutors have targeted President Trump and carried out a brazen political attack against the Republican nominee for President. Today's decision does nothing to change the fact the President Biden has failed the American people and the President Trump WILL WIN back the White House this November!"
Congressman Dan Meuser (R-PA) - “The prosecution’s frivolous case against Donald Trump was a weaponization of our justice system and a blatant attempt to undermine democracy. They just convicted a former President of the United States in a trial where most people do not even know what crime was alleged. This trial never would have happened if Trump were not running for president. There was no crime committed, and the evidence, or lack thereof, in no way supported this verdict. The jury believed, and the case rested on, Michael Cohen, a convicted felon, liar, and self-admitted thief. District Attorney Alvin Bragg campaigned endlessly on getting Trump, and today, he lived up to his promise. Every progressive in the country is likely toasting right now, yet they have no idea the damage they have caused to our constitutional republic. Prosecuting political opponents happens in third-world countries, not in America. Our adversaries around the world are viewing this as a failure of democracy. Americans should take notice. If the Biden Administration can do this to a former President and the leading GOP candidate for President, Americans should ask ‘who’s next?’ The Left has succeeded in poisoning our Justice System, and as President Trump said, the real verdict will be delivered on November 5th.”
Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA) - "No one should be above the law in America, and today’s verdict is an affirmation of that important principle."
Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA) - "Donald Trump is a convicted felon. He should be in prison, not the White House."
State Representative Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland) - "Political agenda of the left indeed, to use a rigged legal process to attempt to win an election. Sad and despicable. Weaponizing the legal system will harm our country’s future and I pray every American citizen sends a message with their vote in November. God help America."
State Representative Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) - "Looks like I'll be voting 34x harder for this fellow in November."
State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) - "Today a former President has been found guilty of 34 felony charges. But make no mistake, this election will be won at the ballot box, not in a courthouse."
Tom O'Brien, Lancaster County Democratic Committee Chair - "We are pleased that the judicial process and the rule of law has been protected. This verdict proves that no one person, even a President, is above the law."