Former Vice U.S. President Mike Pence reacted strongly to the criminal conviction of former President Donald Trump in New York City, calling the charges “politically motivated” and an “outrage.”
Pence told Fox News Digital that the conviction is a disservice to the nation and sends a “terrible message.”
He emphasized that no one is above the law but stressed that the courts should not be used as tools against political opponents.
Pence argued that to millions of Americans, this conviction appears as a political prosecution driven by a Manhattan District Attorney who campaigned on indicting Trump.
He believes this prosecution undermines confidence in the American justice system.
According to Pence, the conviction sends a negative message to the world about the U.S. justice system.
He added that it further divides the nation at a time when Americans are struggling under the Biden administration’s policies.
Pence noted that Trump has the right to appeal the conviction and expressed hope that it will be overturned on appeal.
He believes a successful appeal would help restore public confidence in the justice system and ensure equal treatment under the law.
Trump was found guilty on all counts in a historic and unprecedented criminal trial, making him the first former president to be convicted of a crime.
After the verdict, Trump spoke to reporters, calling the trial a “disgrace” and “rigged” by a “conflicted judge.”
Trump criticized the refusal to change the trial venue, arguing it was unfair given the district’s low support for him.
He asserted that the actual verdict would come from the voters on November 5.
Despite their strained relationship since the January 6 riots, Pence continues to defend Trump against the conviction but has stated he will not endorse him in the upcoming election.
