MANHATTAN – Donald Trump delivered a statement on Friday morning in Manhattan after the historic verdict that turned him into the first former president of the United States to have ever been convicted of a felony.
Trump said the hush-money trial in New York County was over a “very professional” bookkeeper’s “legal expense” reference in company records — and not for falsifying business records.
“This is a scam. This is a rigged trial. It shouldn’t have been in that venue. It shouldn’t have been that judge,” Trump said about New York County Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who is set to sentence him on July 11 — four days before the Republican National Convention.
Trump also said Michael Cohen was a fully accredited lawyer, and not a fixer, when he hired him and Cohen signed a non-disclosure agreement and there was nothing wrong with the money that was paid.
“It’s not hush money; it’s a non-disclosure agreement,” Trump said. “It’s totally legal.”
Trump said there wasn’t a crime and condemned Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. for focusing on his case and not on fighting crime in the city.
“We are going to be appealing this scam,” Trump said.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee accused President Joe Biden of failing to control immigration.
“People are taking over our luxury hotels, migrants, and yet our veterans, our great veterans are living on the streets,” Trump said.
Trump is still facing three other felony indictments.
“Nov. 5 is the most important day in the history of our country,” Trump said.
Watch Trump’s full statement
Complete coverage of the historic verdict
- Related document: Jury’s verdict sheet (.pdf)
- Related document: Court jury instructions (.pdf)
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