President Joe Biden defended New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecution of former President Donald Trump in the “hush money” trial, where Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Biden stated Trump was not above the law, stating in a press conference at the White House:
Before I begin my remarks I just wanted to say a few words about what happened yesterday in New York City. The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed. Donald Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself, it was a state case, not a federal case, and it was heard by a jury of twelve citizens.
Many have criticized the New York appeals-court decision to deny Trump’s petition to change the venue of the trial. Today Biden defended the venue, jury selection process, and unanimous verdict:
Twelve Americans, twelve people like you, like millions of Americans who served on juries — this jury was chosen the same way every jury in America is chosen. It was a process that Donald Trump’s attorney was a part of. The jury heard five weeks of evidence, five weeks, and after careful deliberation the jury reached a unanimous verdict. They found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts. Now he will be given the opportunity — as he should — to appeal that decision, just like everyone else has that opportunity.
Biden claimed criticizing the way the trial was conducted is reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible, and stated the justice system should be respected:
That’s how the American system of justice works, and it’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don’t like the verdict. Our justice system has endured for nearly 250 years, and it literally is the cornerstone of America, our justice system. The justice system should be respected, and we should never allow anyone to tear it down. It’s as simple as that.
After Biden finished speaking, NBC News senior White House correspondent Kelly O’Donnell asked, “Mr. President can you tell us, sir, Donald Trump refers to himself as a political prisoner and blames you directly. What is your response to that, sir?” Biden did not respond, merely looking at O’Donnell and smiling. O’Donnell followed up with a second question: “Do you think the conviction will have an impact on the campaign? We would love to hear your thoughts, sir.” Biden did not respond, and walked away.
House Republicans responded on X, accusing Biden of election interference and stating his reaction to O’Donnell’s questions was inappropriate: “This is what ELECTION INTERFERENCE looks like. QUESTION: ‘Donald Trump refers to himself as a political prisoner and blames you directly. What is your response to that, sir?’ Joe Biden just smiles and walks away.”
Donald Trump Jr. claimed that Biden orchestrated the prosecution of his father, stating on X, “There it is, folks. Crooked Joe can’t hide his satisfaction over what him and his team orchestrated.”
