‘The only verdict that matters’: reactions to the Trump verdict
Politicians of all political stripes reacted to former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in his hush money case. Here is a sampling from around the Pacific Northwest.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little on X: “The American people will deliver the only verdict that matters in November. #TRUMP2024”
Rep. Mike Simpson, representing Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District, on X: “It is crystal clear Democrats have weaponized our judicial system against President Trump. From the beginning I’ve voiced my concerns about the political motivations of District Attorney Bragg. The American people are smart and can see this absurd political trial for what it is. President Trump has indicated he will appeal this verdict, and I fully support that decision.”
Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, Idaho’s Republican senators, did not immediately issue statements about the verdict on social media, but did take time to recognize Thursday as the International Day of the Potato and pay homage to the tuber’s economic and cultural importance in (southern) Idaho.
Washington Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray did not immediately issue statements, nor did Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Republican Mike Baumgartner, running to succeed McMorris Rodgers in Washington’s 5th Congressional District, on X: “Today’s conviction of a former President by a state court on flimsy charges in a hyper partisan setting sets a bad precedent that is likely to haunt both political parties in the years to come. It’s a bad day for the rule of law, brought on by leftists with a political agenda. Using courts of law as political weapons is banana republic stuff.”
Republican Brian Dansel, running to succeed McMorris Rodgers, on X: “Today’s verdict is a complete disgrace and an absolute travesty. I unapologetically stand with President Trump, as I have since 2015. We MUST elect him in November. #MAGA #Trump2024”
Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington’s 7th Congressional District, on X: “A jury of 12 courageous people put aside all biases to listen to evidence from the defense and prosecution. They have rendered Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts. No one is above the law, not even a former president. This is an important moment for accountability in America.”
Idaho Legislative District 7 Rep. Mike Kingsley on Facebook: “Lawfare will backfire! Trump was just guaranteed a win in November.”
Idaho Legislative District 2 Rep. Heather Scott on X responding to a post on the social media site: “We’re delusional if we think we can shake this regime at the Federal level. We have to focus on the state and local level to create as much sovereignty as possible.”
Politicians from Idaho’s neighbor to the east had more to say.
Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte: “A jury from one of the bluest cities in America just convicted the Republican nominee for president. This is yet another attempt by Democrats to use the courts & lawfare to do what they can’t do at the ballot box. It’s a sham. Voters will render the final verdict this November.”
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., and former Sec. of Interior during the Trump administration on X: “An absolute stain on the American justice system. Joe Biden has weaponized the law against his political opponent and voters will serve crooked Joe the justice he and his minions deserve at the polls in November. I STAND WITH TRUMP and stand with the American people who see through this garbage.”
Tim Sheehy, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Montana (running against Democrat Jon Tester) on X: “RIGGED! New York v. Donald Trump is state-sponsored political persecution led by the Party of Joe Biden and Jon Tester. WE THE PEOPLE stand with PRESIDENT TRUMP!”
Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., on X: “This guilty verdict is what happens when you have a biased prosecutor, judge and jury! This is blatant election interference by Judge Merchan and all you need to prove that is to look at the sentencing date one week before the Republican convention.”
