Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Yesterday, according to live updates from the courthouse, a panel of 12 jurors found former President Donald Trump guilty on all counts in the New York criminal trial on Thursday. The jury arrived at its verdict after approximately 11 and a half hours over two days. Trump was facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) last year. The prosecution alleged that Trump falsely recorded payments to his then-personal attorney, Michael Cohen, as legal expenses to conceal a $130,000 settlement payment Cohen made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, aimed at keeping her quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts and denied Daniels’ allegations.
The defense maintained that the $35,000 monthly payments made to Cohen in 2017, totaling $420,000, were for legal services. However, Cohen testified that some of the funds were reimbursement for his payment to Daniels. Trump was not permitted to leave the courthouse while the jury was deliberating.
This trial and its outcome have raised significant concerns about the state of justice in New York. Many argue that the judicial process has become arbitrary and violates citizens’ rights. Prominent political figures have expressed their outrage at the verdict, suggesting that the trial was driven more by political motivations than by a fair pursuit of justice.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a statement following the verdict. He said, “This is a dark day for America. This entire trial has been a sham, and it is nothing more than political persecution. The only reason they prosecuted Donald Trump is because Democrats are terrified that he will win reelection. This disgraceful decision is legally baseless and should be overturned promptly on appeal. Any judge with a modicum of integrity would recognize that this entire trial has been utterly fraudulent.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) also disapproved, stating, “This verdict is a disgrace, and this trial should have never happened. Now more than ever, we need to rally around President Trump, take back the White House and Senate, and get this country back on track. The real verdict will be Election Day.”
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida expressed indignation on his TRUTH Social Media account: “The verdict in New York is a complete travesty that makes a mockery of our justice system. A political show trial conducted by an openly pro-Biden judge whose daughter makes money off the case, a jury from the most liberal county in America, absurd and ridiculous charges, and outrageous jury instructions that guaranteed guilty verdicts. Biden and the Trump deranged left will stop at nothing to remain in power.”
These reactions emphasize a growing sentiment that the justice system is being manipulated for political ends, eroding public trust in its impartiality and fairness. According to critics, the Trump trial exemplifies a dangerous shift towards arbitrary justice, threatening citizens’ rights and the integrity of the judicial process in New York.
