TL/DR –
US President Joe Biden has labeled former President Donald Trump’s condemnation of his recent trial as ‘reckless’. Trump, who was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records, called the trial ‘rigged’ and ‘a sham’. Both Biden and Trump have used the outcome to boost fundraising for their respective campaigns, with Trump’s campaign reportedly raising more than $34.8 million in six hours following the verdict.
Biden Calls Trump’s Claims of Rigged Trial ‘Reckless’
President Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump’s allegations of a rigged trial, labeling it reckless after the historic conviction of Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Biden defended the US justice system, asserting that the trial reaffirmed the American principle that no one is above the law.
Trump had earlier condemned the judge and Democrats at a news conference, calling the trial a sham. Biden, in a White House news conference discussing the Middle East and a new Israeli proposal for Gaza, maintained that Trump had been given every opportunity to defend himself before a jury of 12 American citizens. Any complaints about the fairness of the trial were baseless, he said.
Describing Trump’s rigged trial claim as reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible, Biden added that Trump was welcome to appeal. He referred to the justice system as the cornerstone of America, which should be respected and protected from attempts to undermine it.
Trump Slams Trial, Calls it a ‘Witch Hunt’
Trump argued he was unfairly treated and that the case should have been dismissed. He accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of bringing forward a politically motivated trial. During Friday’s news conference, he confirmed his team would appeal the conviction, repeating his claim that the trial was rigged and a witch hunt.
Post-Verdict Fundraising Efforts by Biden and Trump
Both Biden and Trump have increased fundraising efforts following the verdict. Biden posted a fundraising link on X, a Democratic fundraising platform, while Trump’s campaign reported raising over $34.8 million in the six hours after the conviction. They stated that most of the funds came from small donors, and 30% was raised via WinRed, the Republicans’ fundraising platform.
Trump’s Truth Social account also sought donations within minutes of his conviction. His campaign also sent out emails soliciting donations. According to Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes, the guilty verdict led to a record number of supporters accessing Trump’s digital fundraising system, causing intermittent delays.
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