DeSantis Makes Bombshell Announcement Regarding Trump After Conviction
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has delivered positive news for former President Donald Trump following the verdicts from his Manhattan trial.
There was concern that as a convicted felon, Trump could lose his voting rights and be unable to vote for himself in the 2024 presidential election. However, DeSantis, the governor of the state where Trump resides, confirmed that the verdict would not impact his voting rights.
“Former President Donald Trump hasn’t lost his voting rights in Florida,” the governor stated on X, formerly Twitter. “Rights are not removed in Florida, where they haven’t yet been stripped in the convicting jurisdiction.”
He further explained, “Given the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump, this would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights per the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair. The bottom line is that Donald Trump’s vote this November will be one of millions that demonstrate Florida is now a solid Republican state!”
The Florida governor was among many Republicans outraged by the Manhattan verdict.
Republican senators have taken a strong stance in response to Trump's convictions, with many deciding to oppose all legislative goals of President Joe Biden and the Democrats.
“Those who turned our judicial system into a political cudgel must be held accountable. We are no longer cooperating with any Democrat legislative priorities or nominations, and we invite all concerned Senators to join our stand,” Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee said on X, formerly Twitter.
In a letter to the White House, a group of senators, including Marco Rubio, Tommy Tuberville, and Marsha Blackburn, declared their intentions: “The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways. As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart. To that end, we will not 1) allow any increase to non-security related funding for this administration, or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare; 2) vote to confirm this administration’s political and judicial appointees; and 3) allow expedited consideration and passage of Democrat legislation or authorities that are not directly relevant to the safety of the American people.”
Other Republicans also expressed their disapproval of the verdict.
“Today is a shameful day in American history. Democrats cheered as they convicted the leader of the opposing party on ridiculous charges, predicated on the testimony of a disbarred, convicted felon. This was a purely political exercise, not a legal one,” said Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
He added, “The weaponization of our justice system has been a hallmark of the Biden Administration, and the decision today is further evidence that Democrats will stop at nothing to silence dissent and crush their political opponents. The American people rightfully see this is lawfare, and they know it is—and dangerous. President Trump will rightfully appeal this absurd verdict—and he WILL WIN.”
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell echoed this sentiment, stating, “These charges never should have been brought in the first place. I expect the conviction to be overturned on appeal.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise urged, “I won’t stand by while the leader of our party is ambushed by our own government. Will you stand with Trump before midnight tonight and condemn this witch hunt once and for all?”
New York Representative Elise Stefanik, the House GOP Conference chair and a potential Trump running mate, criticized what she called a “sham trial.”
“We must redouble our efforts and work around the clock to ensure President Trump is victorious this November to save America from Biden’s failed Far Left Democrat agenda,” she said.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, another potential Trump running mate, claimed that the US justice system “targets Republicans while favoring Democrats.”