BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana officials are reacting after a New York jury found former president Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts in a hush money trial.
The move made Trump the first former U.S. president to be found guilty of a felony.
After the verdict was announced on Thursday, May 30, Trump addressed the media, saying the trial was “rigged.” He plans to appeal.
Sentencing is set for July 11. Prosecutors haven’t said if they’ll seek jail time.
Trump also faces felony charges related to allegations he tried to overturn the most recent presidential election and that he inappropriately kept classified documents after leaving office.
Trump also mentioned after the trial that November 5 is the final judgement day.
“The real verdict is going to be November 5 by the people, and they know what happened here and everybody knows what happened here,” said Trump.
The convictions do not prevent Trump from continuing his bid for re-election. The Republican National Convention runs July 15–18.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R-La.) released the statement below.
“This is a dark day for our country—where the very justice system that had been a hallmark of justice for hundreds of years, has been replaced with a two-tiered system based on politics! I do have faith that the American people will not tolerate this!”
Gov. Jeff Landry via X
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement.
“Today is a shameful day in American history. Democrats cheered as they convicted the leader of the opposing party on ridiculous charges, predicated on the testimony of a disbarred, convicted felon. This was a purely political exercise, not a legal one.
“The weaponization of our justice system has been a hallmark of the Biden Administration, and the decision today is further evidence that Democrats will stop at nothing to silence dissent and crush their political opponents.
“The American people see this as lawfare, and they know it is wrong—and dangerous. President Trump will rightfully appeal this absurd verdict—and he WILL WIN!”
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson via X
Read a statement from Louisiana U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) below.
“Given the way the defense was conducted, the trial was managed, the jury was instructed, and the DA’s desire to fulfill a campaign promise, the guilty verdict was not surprising. The jury was led to believe that two misdemeanors make a felony and that a state court could enforce federal law. None of this seems right. The rule of law should apply equally to both parties. I disagree with the verdict.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana)
“The trial was a political witch hunt and a travesty of justice. The biggest loser is us. One judge and prosecutor have made a mockery of our justice system. I am hopeful that this ridiculous verdict from this ridiculous case will be overturned.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill via X
LSU law professor Lisa Avalos released the following statement.
“This is really a very new and unprecedented moment in our nation’s history. Donald Trump has already spoken out. He has said repeatedly that he does not think highly of the process. There are independent voters who will not want to vote for a candidate who is a convicted felon that Trump’s supporters are going to, if anything, the verdict against him is going to reinforce their support of him.”
LSU law professor Lisa Avalos
Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Steve Scalise released the following statement.
“Extremist Democrats have undermined democracy by weaponizing the courts to operate like a banana republic that targets their political opponents. Today’s verdict is a defeat for Americans who believe in the critical legal tenet that justice is blind. It was clear from the start that Biden teamed up with heavily biased DA Alvin Bragg to go after his political opponent regardless of wrongdoing—while hardened criminals are set free in New York to commit more violent crimes against innocent citizens. This is nothing more than an attempt to interfere with the 2024 election. The radical Democrats behind this abuse of our justice system will not prevail. The voters will settle this on November 5th.”
Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Steve Scalise via X
Quentin Anthony Anderson, a candidate running for Congress in Louisiana’s 6th District released the following statement.
“Today, we witnessed a pivotal moment in American history as former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in the New York state hush money trial. This verdict reinforces the principle that no one, not even a former president, is above the law. It is a testament to the strength of our judicial system — when applied fairly & objectively — and the importance of accountability in our democracy.
“As someone deeply committed to justice and integrity, I believe this ruling underscores the necessity for transparency and ethical behavior in public office. It is a reminder that the actions of our leaders must reflect the values we hold dear as a nation.
“I understand that this verdict may be difficult for many to process, particularly for conservatives and Trump supporters. We must remember that our democracy is built on the principles of peaceful discourse and respect for legal outcomes. Let us uphold these principles and continue to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of our country.
Louisiana deserves public officials who uphold the highest standards of integrity. We cannot afford to elect leaders who prioritize their own interests over those of the people they serve. This verdict is a clarion call for all of us to demand better from our elected officials and to strive for a government that is truly by the people and for the people. We can’t afford to send corruptible politicians back to Washington in the age of Trump.
“As a candidate for Congress, I am committed to restoring trust in our political system. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our government operates with transparency and accountability, always putting the needs of our community first.”
Congress candidate Quentin Anthony Anderson
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