Montana’s predominantly Republican federal delegation reacted strongly on Thursday to a New York jury’s verdict that former Republican president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump is guilty of all 34 federal criminal charges related to hush-money payments and falsification of records in 2016.
This development is significant for American democracy, as Trump becomes the first former president to be convicted of a felony. The charges stem from Trump’s attempts to conceal a scandal with adult film star Stormy Daniels and are classified as the lowest felony under New York state law. Trump is out on bail until his sentencing, slated for July 11.
Following Trump’s response to the verdict, Montana’s Republican federal representatives criticized the outcome in statements from their congressional offices and re-election campaigns, as reported by the Montana Free Press.
Senator Steve Daines denounced the jury’s decision as a “sham,” orchestrated by Democrats and called for an appeal to overturn it. He also condemned the judge for contributing $15 to President Joe Biden’s campaign.
Representative Matt Rosendale labeled the guilty verdict as a result of bias in the justice system, criticizing the judge for setting Trump’s sentencing date close to the Republican convention in July.
Representative Ryan Zinke’s office did not immediately comment on the verdict, but in a tweet, his campaign account expressed disappointment in the justice system’s handling of the case and vowed continued support for Trump.
Mara Silvers / MTFP
A spokesperson for Daines confirmed his continued support for Trump’s 2024 campaign despite the conviction. The responses from Republican officials in Montana echoed those of national GOP personalities.
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Senator Jon Tester, Montana’s sole Democratic representative, issued a restrained statement, emphasizing respect for the judicial process and the importance of voter input in November.
Trump’s conviction carries a possible prison term or probation, but any sentence is likely to be delayed by legal appeals. While felons can run for president, polls suggest a decrease in voter support for candidates with a criminal record.
Enforcement of the sentence may be postponed pending appeals. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg declined to elaborate on future legal steps during a press conference, emphasizing the jurors’ voices in the ongoing matter.
