Some Democrats Celebrate Trump Conviction

Former President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City with attorney Todd Blanche on May 21, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Some Democrats took a victory lap over the unprecedented conviction of former President Donald Trump on May 30.

After more than 11 hours of deliberation, 12 jurors reached the unanimous verdict in the case at Manhattan Criminal Court, convicting the presumptive GOP presidential nominee on 34 first-degree counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.

While GOP lawmakers expressed anger over the verdict, Democrat lawmakers on social media celebrated President Trump becoming a felon.

“The jury has spoken and carefully rendered a decision. Responsible leadership requires the verdict to be respected,” posted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

“Trump made deception a cornerstone of his campaign for the White House. And now, he will go down in history as the president who has two impeachments and 34 felony convictions to his name - with more trials to come,” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) in a statement.

In addition to his conviction, President Trump faces two federal cases, one about allegedly mishandling classified documents, another related to the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol, and an indictment in Georgia related to allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election in that state.

“In America, no one is above the law: not the rich, not the powerful, and certainly not any former President of the United States,” posted Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), vice chair of the House Democrat conference.

“For the first time in his life, Trump has been held accountable for his misdeeds. Justice had a good day,” posted Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) said she saw the conviction eventually happening and that it strengthened her faith in America’s justice system.

“Hallelujah!!! My predictions came true! I predicted three years ago at a speech with the Human Rights Campaign that Stormy Daniels would be the one to get Trump,” she posted.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) also shared his thoughts.

“The former president was found guilty on dozens of charges, including election interference. These charges are serious and make it clear that he is unfit to serve as president,” Mr. Luján wrote.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) posted that the result is not only about President Trump.

“Donald Trump is a convicted felon. This verdict is not a win for any single person. It’s a win for an idea. The idea that we all follow the same rules. The rule of law won today,” he said.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) wrote that “our legal system worked as intended.”

“A jury of Trump’s peers, everyday Americans, weighed evidence & found him guilty of falsifying business records to keep voters in the dark in 2016,” Ms. Chu said.

Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) also mentioned the jury.

“A jury of Donald Trump’s peers have spoken and justice was done. Like I used to tell my middle school students, actions have consequences,” Ms. Balint wrote.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said in a statement posted on X that President Trump’s actions will “remain a stain” on the country’s history.

“The American people deserve better than a leader who is willing to break the law or put himself first, over the interests of the American people he was elected to serve,” Mr. Kildee said.

Solemn Statements

However, some Democrat lawmakers gave solemn responses.

“This is a serious and somber moment for our country, but one that we arrived at because the rule of law held strong,” posted Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) on X.

Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) said in a statement that it was “a historic and somber day” and that Americans owe a debt of gratitude to jury for upholding the rule of law.

“I’ve always been impressed with the seriousness with which ordinary citizens approach service as jurors,” Mr. Foster said.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) also posted his reaction on X.

“A former president being convicted is nothing to be celebrated, but it is an affirmation that nobody is above the law. This verdict was reached by a jury of Trump’s peers, by citizens of the American justice system, not by a judge or by a political opponent,” Mr. Moskowitz wrote.

President Trump is scheduled to be sentenced July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention.