Republicans on Friday condemned President-elect Donald Trump’s ruling, calling it “disgraceful.”
Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge from the military on Friday morning in New York City. He was convicted last year of falsifying business records after a years-long investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Democrats lend aid to Republicans as Laken-Reilly Act overcomes filibuster in Senate
President-elect Donald Trump (right) in a virtual courtroom on January 10, 2025. (FOX News)
“What a joke and a disgrace,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, wrote to X.
“This witch hunt and verdict was an insult to the American people,” she added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) responded in a statement: “After four years of litigation, restoring the American people’s faith in our justice system is critically important, and I am committed to “We support President Trump’s decision to appeal the decision.” Please leave us behind this shameful chapter in American history. ”
Indiana Representative Rudy Yakim similarly condemned the sentencing, saying, “Today’s sentencing is a disappointing reminder that Democrats will stop at nothing, including weaponizing the justice system, to defeat President Trump.” Rest assured, America’s recovery will begin within 10 days.”
New Republican senator protests Democratic Pentagon Pete Hegseth ‘wanting delay’
Senator Marsha Blackburn criticized the ruling, calling it a “joke”. (Shannon Finney/Getty Images, RIAA)
The verdict was handed down just 10 days before Inauguration Day, despite President Trump’s efforts to delay it.
The president-elect attended the proceedings virtually. “After careful analysis, this court has determined that only a lawful sentence that allows a conviction warrants unconditional release,” Judge Juan Melchán said. “At this time, I would impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts.”
“President Trump’s sentencing today confirms what the American people have known all along: These trials were pure political persecution. “This ends on January 20th,” said Rep. Jason Smith (R). Mo, about X.
Trump details strategy to win needed votes with packaged approach to borders, taxes
From left to right: Judge Juan Marchan, President-elect Donald Trump, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. (Getty Images, AP Images)
As Marchand told Trump, unconditional release imposes no punishment on the convicted individual. He maintains that the conviction stands. However, this means that no associated penalties will be imposed.
Although Mr. Trump will not face any of these penalties with the latest ruling, he could still face disability for the felony as long as the conviction is upheld.
Border state Democrat Ruben Gallego backs Republican Laken-Riley bill ahead of Senate vote
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (left) is a powerful ally of President-elect Donald Trump in the Senate. (Senator Markwayne Mullin)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), an ally of President Trump, reacted to the news, writing, “Finally, this baseless display by New York liberal activists is over. It’s worth remembering. Trump. The president doesn’t have to do this job, he’s doing it.” We look forward to 10 days to save America. ”
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) denounced the conviction and sentence as “a waste of poor taxpayer resources that should be used on real crimes that harm New Yorkers.”
Julia Johnson is a political writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, where she leads coverage of the U.S. Senate. She previously served as a political reporter for the Washington Examiner.
Follow Julia’s reporting on X. @juliaajohnson_ Send your tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
