Trump’s Defiance on Display at Post-Conviction Speech at NYC Headquarters

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Just one day after his historic conviction on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a hush-money trial, former President Donald Trump took to the stage at Trump Tower on Friday morning with characteristic bravado. The former president, now the first in U.S. history to be convicted of crimes, addressed reporters with a defiant tone, reiterating his grievances with the case and vowing to appeal the decision.

Standing in the atrium of the New York skyscraper, mere steps from the golden escalator that marked the beginning of his first presidential bid in 2015, Trump delivered a 35-minute speech. This setting, a symbol of his business empire and political ascent, served as a poignant backdrop for his latest public address. Nearly nine years after his dramatic entry into politics, Trump’s rhetoric remained as fiery as ever.

“If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone,” Trump began, framing his conviction as part of a broader, nefarious plot. According to a report on ABCNews.com, he characterized the individuals behind his prosecution as “bad people” and “sick people.” His speech was laden with accusations that the trial was rigged. Trump supporters, some political analysts and legal scholars have also weighed in with their opinions of the trial and have suggested that government agencies were indeed weaponized against Trump.

Former Harvard law school professor  and constitutional expert Alan Dershowitz said he had predicted a Trump conviction in this case due to the location of the trial and strong Democratic leaning in New York City, echoing Trump’s words about the overall case being “rigged,” according to a report in Newsweek.

Throughout his remarks, Trump oscillated between familiar campaign themes and the specifics of his legal battles. He raised the issue of open borders and the migrant crisis as well as the economic competition with China, but his focus swiftly returned to the New York criminal trial, as per the ABCNews.com report.

Despite the gag order prohibiting him from directly naming Judge Juan Merchan and his former attorney Michael Cohen, Trump alluded to both figures disparagingly. Cohen, once a close confidant and now a key witness against him, was referred to as a “sleazebag,” while Judge Merchan was labeled a “tyrant,” as was indicated in the ABCNews.com report. These veiled references called attention to Trump’s ongoing resentment towards those he holds responsible for his legal troubles.

The atmosphere in the atrium was charged, with Trump supporters and members of the press keenly observing his every word. However, Trump did not entertain questions, leaving the audience with his assertions unchallenged. His speech, while largely a rehash of previous grievances, reinforced his stance as a defiant figure, unwilling to concede defeat even in the face of legal convictions.

Trump’s promise to appeal reflects his broader strategy of contesting legal and political challenges through prolonged litigation and public denouncement. His statement, “If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone,” was a rallying cry aimed at his base, positioning himself as a victim of a corrupt system, according to the report.

“In a way, I’m honored,” Trump declared, his tone a mix of defiance and victimhood. “It’s not that it’s pleasant. It’s very bad for family, it’s very bad for friends and businesses, but I’m honored to be involved in it because somebody has to do it, and I might as well keep going and be the one, “ the former president said as was reported by ABCNews.com.  With these words, Trump aimed to frame himself as the reluctant yet determined hero in a battle against a corrupt system.

This theme of martyrdom has been central to Trump’s 2024 campaign narrative, positioning him as a lone warrior fighting against an establishment he claims is out to silence him. “So we’re going to show them that we’re going to fight,” the former president continued, as per the information in the ABCNews.com report. “It’s something where I’m wired in such a way that a lot of people would have gone away a long time ago.” He portrayed his legal battles as part of a broader struggle for justice and truth.

Trump also made it clear that he plans to appeal the conviction, reiterating the reasons why he and his legal team believe they should. He criticized the venue of the trial and the timing of the case, suggesting that the proceedings were strategically designed to undermine his political campaign. “The people of our country know it’s a hoax, they know it’s a hoax, they get it,” Trump asserted, as was noted in the ABCNews.com report. “You know, they’re really smart. And it’s really something, so we’re going to be appealing this scam.”

Throughout his speech, Trump sought to downplay the severity of the counts against him. The ABCNews.com report said that he continued to claim that the non-disclosure agreement at the heart of the trial was “totally legal” and not a hush-money payment, despite the court’s findings.

Trump did not shy away from attacking the Biden administration, despite the case being handled solely by New York prosecutors. “I don’t know if Biden knows too much about it, because I don’t know if he knows about anything, but he’s nevertheless the president, so we have to use his name. And this is done by Washington,” Trump said.

Despite his conviction, Trump expressed confidence that these events would ultimately propel him to victory in November. Reports surfaced on Friday morning that according to tallies from those operating Trump’s campaign web site, since the announcement of the verdict on Thursday afternoon, his campaign raised $34.8 million in individual contributions. This substantial fundraising haul, despite his legal troubles, highlights the former president’s enduring influence within the Republican base. It was also reported on Thursday that billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has thrown his support behind Trump.

In the wake of Trump’s fiery post-conviction address at Trump Tower, the Biden-Harris campaign swiftly issued a sharp rebuttal, condemning Trump for undermining the rule of law and fostering division.

“America just witnessed a confused, desperate, and defeated Donald Trump ramble about his own personal grievances and lie about the American justice system, leaving anyone watching with one obvious conclusion: This man cannot be president of the United States,” stated Michael Tyler, Biden campaign communications director, as was indicated in the ABCNews.com report. “Unhinged by his 2020 election loss and spiraling from his criminal convictions, Trump is consumed by his own thirst for revenge and retribution. He thinks this election is about him. But it’s not. It’s about the American people: lowering their costs, protecting their freedoms, defending their democracy,”  he added.

Tyler’s statement drew attention to the Biden campaign’s view that Trump’s focus on personal vendettas and falsehoods about the legal process is detrimental to the nation. By contrasting Trump’s approach with their own purported policy-driven agenda, the Biden campaign sought to appeal to voters concerned about stability and governance.

However, Trump’s emotional tone also revealed a sense of frustration. He expressed anger about the situation, stating that he wished it had not happened. The ABCNews.com report indicated that this mix of boasting and bitterness painted a complex picture of a candidate who, despite significant challenges, remains a formidable force in American politics.

The event at Trump Tower was attended by a couple dozen supporters, along with Trump’s legal and campaign teams. Notably, his son Eric Trump and daughter-in-law Lara Trump were present, visibly cheering and clapping as he entered the atrium. This familial and loyal support further emphasized Trump’s narrative of resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.