A jury found former President Donald Trump guilty Thursday on all 34 counts against him in a criminal trial over whether he sought to influence the 2016 election by falsifying business records through payments made to an adult film actress to not talk about their alleged sexual encounter.
The charges, including one that carries a penalty of up to four years behind bars, come as Trump — the Republican nominee for president in the 2024 election — allegedly masked a hush money payment as a legal expense. It marks the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted of felony crimes.
He is scheduled to be sentenced July 11 and has already said he will appeal the verdict.
Here’s a selection of reactions to the verdict from Nevada political leaders:
Statement from Gov. Joe Lombardo (R):
“I respect the work of the jury but believe that this has been a political witch-hunt in a hostile courtroom … President Trump will have an opportunity to appeal, and I expect an unbiased process will vindicate President Trump.”
Statement from Nevada Republican Party:
“The partisan farce that unfolded today can be described as nothing short of a radicalized campaign stunt born of a highly conflicted trial. We stand in complete support of President Donald J. Trump and resist the charges upheld in today’s judgment.”
Statement from Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV):
“We know that Donald Trump is willing to do anything to protect his own interests, including undermining our elections. No one is above the law, and I’m glad to see justice served today.”
Statement from Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV):
“For the first time in our nation’s history, a former President is found guilty of committing multiple felonies. Today our justice system has proven that Donald Trump, a twice-impeached, four-times indicted, morally bankrupt individual is not above the law.”
Statement from Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown:
“This has been a sham political trial from the beginning, all because DC Democrats are afraid of LOSING and answering for their failures this November.”
Statement from Attorney General Aaron Ford (D) :
“At the core of our country’s legal system is the idea that a person must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their political career … I know emotions may run high in the aftermath of this verdict, and I urge everyone to remain calm as our justice system continues its work.”
Statement from former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt (R):
“The degree to which the Democratic Party and Soros backed partisan prosecutors are willing to damage the integrity of our Republic in order to promote their own political advantage is horrific and ominous. … Let’s hope this sham conviction of President Trump is overturned promptly.”
Statement from former Nevada GOP Chairwoman Amy Tarkanian:
“Whether you believe justice was served or it was a sham, today is undeniably a sad day for our great nation. This moment is a major embarrassment for the world to witness.”
