Trump Vows to Appeal Guilty Verdict, Denounces 'Lawfare'

Former President Trump has vowed to appeal his guilty verdict on all counts in the New York criminal trial, slamming the charges as a politically motivated "lawfare" campaign.

Former President Donald Trump has vehemently denounced his conviction in the New York criminal trial, vowing to appeal the verdict and labeling it a "witch hunt" orchestrated by his political opponents.

"This is a continuation of the greatest witch hunt in American history," Trump said in a statement released after the verdict was announced. "This was not a fair trial. This was a political prosecution, a political witch hunt."

Trump Vows to Appeal Guilty Verdict, Denounces 'Lawfare'

Trump was found guilty on all counts in the New York trial, including grand larceny, tax fraud, and falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from a years-long investigation into the Trump Organization's financial dealings.

Trump's lawyers have already filed an appeal, arguing that the trial was tainted by prosecutorial misconduct and that the charges were politically motivated.

Trump Vows to Appeal Guilty Verdict, Denounces 'Lawfare'

"This was an unfair trial, even the judge's wife said so," Trump said, referring to a comment made by the wife of Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, that she feared for her husband's safety if Trump were acquitted.

Trump's allies have also condemned the verdict, calling it a politically motivated attempt to silence the former president.

Trump Vows to Appeal Guilty Verdict, Denounces 'Lawfare'

"This is a disgrace," said former Trump campaign manager Steve Bannon. "This is a political hit job, plain and simple."

However, Democrats and legal experts have defended the verdict, arguing that the charges against Trump were solid and that he was given a fair trial.

Trump Vows to Appeal Guilty Verdict, Denounces 'Lawfare'

"The evidence against Mr. Trump was overwhelming," said New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led the prosecution team. "The jury saw through his lies and his defense strategy."

The guilty verdict is a significant blow to Trump, who has been considering a run for the presidency in 2024. It also raises questions about the future of his political career and the potential for further legal challenges.

Trump has vowed to continue fighting the charges and has vowed to appeal the verdict all the way to the Supreme Court.

"We will be back in court, we will win, and we will win big," Trump said. "We are not going to be silenced."

The New York criminal trial is just one of several legal challenges facing Trump. He is also facing a civil lawsuit from the New York Attorney General's office alleging that he fraudulently inflated his net worth to obtain favorable loans and insurance coverage. Additionally, he is facing a criminal investigation by the Fulton County District Attorney's office in Georgia for potential interference in the 2020 election.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing in these cases and has vowed to fight the charges.