NEW YORK — Former President Donald Trump, now a convicted felon, held a defiant 33-minute news conference in Trump Tower on Friday, addressing the trial that led to his conviction and reiterating his complaints and grievances. Despite the verdict, Trump remains determined to continue his presidential campaign.
Key Points from Trump’s News Conference
- Trial and Conviction: Trump repeated his claims that the trial was unfair, criticizing the judge and the district attorney. He portrayed himself as a victim of a biased legal and political system.
- Campaign and Fundraising: Trump highlighted his ongoing presidential campaign, boasting about his polling lead and fundraising success. His campaign reported $34.8 million in small-dollar donations since the verdict, with 30% of donors being new to the WinRed platform. By Friday night, the campaign claimed to have raised $52.8 million.
- Appeal Plans: Trump confirmed that his legal team would appeal the conviction, with plans to take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.
- Comments on Key Figures: Without mentioning Michael Cohen by name, Trump criticized him while acknowledging his legal qualifications. He also denied any sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels, criticizing her testimony as irrelevant and salacious.
Context and Setting
Trump delivered his remarks in the familiar surroundings of the Trump Tower atrium, a venue reminiscent of his 2016 campaign launch. The setting provided a stark contrast to the courtroom where he had spent the past six weeks. Reporters and camera operators stood behind brass and red velvet ropes, a different scene from the metal barricades at the courthouse.
Reaction to the Verdict
Following the verdict, Trump and his campaign team were quick to criticize the judge and prosecution. They also targeted Republicans who they felt did not adequately defend Trump, accusing them of trying to siphon money from Trump’s donors.
Legal and Political Implications
Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels marks a significant moment in his legal battles. This case is likely the only one of his four criminal cases to go to trial before the November election. Despite this, Trump’s political support within the GOP remains strong, with many officials condemning the verdict immediately after its announcement.
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