Donald Trump is attempting to turn his recent criminal conviction into a rallying cry for his presidential campaign. On Friday, he launched fierce attacks on the judge, the prosecution's star witness, and the criminal justice system, positioning himself as a victim of political persecution.

Trump calls conviction �rigged' in Manhattan speech

Addressing his supporters from Trump Tower in Manhattan, Trump, defiant as ever, claimed without evidence that the verdict was politically motivated. "We're going to fight," Trump declared, recalling his dramatic 2016 campaign launch from the same location.




Trump's conviction marked the first time a former president and major party nominee has been found guilty of a crime. He was convicted of 34 charges related to a scheme to influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor.

Trump's response energizes his base

Despite the conviction, Trump's base remains energized, contributing millions in new campaign donations. Trump cast himself as a martyr, stating, "If this could happen to me, it can happen to anyone."

He promised his supporters, "I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to save our country and save our Constitution."

Biden criticizes Trump's rhetoric

President Joe Biden responded to the verdict, condemning Trump's claims of a rigged trial. "It's reckless, it's dangerous, it's irresponsible for anyone to say this is rigged just because they don't like the verdict," Biden said.

Trump has made his legal troubles a central part of his campaign message, arguing that the indictments were orchestrated by Biden to weaken his campaign. The case, however, was filed by local Manhattan prosecutors, independent of the Justice Department.

Trump's continued defiance

In his speech, Trump downplayed the facts of the case, arguing, "It's not hush money. It's a nondisclosure agreement. Totally legal, totally common." Despite his earlier tense demeanor, Trump appeared more relaxed by Friday, delivering a version of his usual rally speech.

Trump criticized his former lawyer and prosecution witness Michael Cohen, calling him "a sleazebag," and blasted the judge, describing him as "a devil."

Financial windfall from conviction

Trump's campaign announced that it had raised $34.8 million since the verdict, with a significant portion coming from new donors. This financial boost underscores the continued loyalty and support of his base, despite the legal challenges.

Trump faces a potential prison sentence, with penalties ranging from a fine or probation to four years in prison. He is due back in court on July 11 for sentencing.Credit: CP24