On Thursday, Donald Trump became the first former president convicted of felony crimes as a New York jury found him guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels.
As Americans across the country are forming opinions on the historic verdict, so are Mississippi’s elected officials. Below is a running list of responses from state leaders.
Gov. Tate Reeves
The lawless conviction of President Donald Trump only reflects the desperation of President Biden and the corrupt methods he will use to steal this election. I am confident that justice will prevail, and the people of America will not reward the leftwing wannabe dictators abusing…
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 30, 2024
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith
This has always been a politically-motivated sham prosecution. I am confident this injustice will be overturned on appeal. The American people see straight through this blatant attempt to influence an election by weaponizing our legal system. Democrats can’t win on their failed…
— Cindy Hyde-Smith (@cindyhydesmith) May 30, 2024
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker
My statement on the verdict: pic.twitter.com/lOG4G1SNom
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) May 30, 2024
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson
Justice has prevailed!
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) May 30, 2024
U.S. Rep. Michael Guest
— Congressman Michael Guest (@RepMichaelGuest) May 30, 2024
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly
The verdict against President Trump is a travesty! This action moves us closer to less than a democracy. This political prosecution is a mockery of the American Constitution, and a miscarriage of justice.
— Trent Kelly (@RepTrentKelly) May 30, 2024
U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell
Today’s verdict—and this entire trial—was based in politics, not the law.
The Biden Admin. and their allies continue to weaponize our justice system against their political enemies.
I look forward to seeing this ridiculous, partisan verdict quickly appealed and overturned.
— Congressman Mike Ezell (@RepEzell) May 30, 2024
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann
The election is in November. The voters will make the final decision on our President, who will be Donald Trump.
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) May 30, 2024
Secretary of State Michael Watson
If they can do it to DJT, they can do it to you. As an aside, if any businesses are looking to get out of NY, our tax structure and regulatory reform measures have Mississippi on the rise. Come on down! https://t.co/EHmSxKWEdE
— Secretary Michael Watson (@MichaelWatsonMS) May 30, 2024
State Auditor Shad White
Democrats love to talk about how important democracy is, but today we saw a justice system weaponized to undermine democracy.
What a travesty.
Make America Great Again.
— Shad White (@shadwhite) May 30, 2024
Treasurer David McRae
I stand with Trump. #Trump2024
— Treasurer David McRae (@DavidMcRaeMS) May 30, 2024
State Sen. Brice Wiggins (District 52)
All jurors deserve thanks and respect. They are the foundation of the best judicial system in the world (though not perfect). The @GOP @MSGOP leadership has a lot of soul searching to do. #convictedfelon https://t.co/eKWjd2rlFf
— Sen. Brice Wiggins (@bricewigginsMS) May 30, 2024
State Sen. Jeremy England (District 51)
Legal experts are about to flood X now that the Trump trial jury verdict is in.
I’m not a criminal lawyer, so I can’t offer much to what happened. But I am a voter and a Republican, so I can offer this: Trump has my vote/support today, and he’ll have my vote/support in November.
— Senator Jeremy England, MS51 (@JeremyEnglandMS) May 30, 2024
State Sen. Bradford Blackmon (District 21)
How was it lawless though? https://t.co/1nbcEgQk8d
— Bradford Blackmon (@bjblackmon021) May 30, 2024
While Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, the Republican told the media as he exited the courthouse to expect an appeal. He also added that he plans to remain in this year’s presidential race as he looks to be elected to a second term after losing to current President Joe Biden in 2020.
