President Biden slams Trump's "reckless" claims of rigged trial after conviction, defends US justice system as former president vows appeal.
In the aftermath of Donald Trump's historic conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, tensions escalated as the former president lashed out, labeling the trial a "sham" and the judge "crooked." His successor, President Joe Biden, responded with a firm rebuke, condemning Trump's claims as "reckless" and a threat to the integrity of the US justice system.
During a White House news conference, Biden defended the verdict, asserting that the American principle of equal justice under the law had been upheld. He emphasized that Trump had been afforded due process and a fair trial, asserting, "It's reckless. It's dangerous. It's irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don't like the verdict."
The president's comments came a day after Trump delivered a fiery press conference at Trump Tower, where he doubled down on his claims of a "rigged" trial and denounced the Manhattan District Attorney who brought the case. Trump vowed to appeal the conviction, characterizing the legal proceedings as a "witch hunt" and a "disgrace."
Biden, who has largely refrained from commenting on Trump's legal troubles, stressed the importance of respecting the justice system as a cornerstone of American democracy. "The justice system should be respected and we should never allow anyone to tear it down. It's as simple as that. That's America. That's who we are," he said.
The exchange between the current and former presidents underscores the deep divisions and heightened tensions within the nation's political landscape. Both camps have seized the opportunity to rally their supporters and bolster fundraising efforts in the wake of the high-profile verdict.
