New York Jury Convicts Trump on “Hush Money Case”, Supporters Rally in Orange County
On May 30th, a New York jury found former President Trump guilty of fabricating business records in the “hush money case” and all 34 charges against him were upheld. Last Saturday (June 1st), hundreds of Orange County residents gathered spontaneously at the Huntington Beach pier, waving flags with “Trump 2024” and a large banner declaring, “Never Surrender: We Stand with Trump,” showing their support for the former president.
Last month, “Time” magazine featured Trump on its cover with an article titled “If He Wins,” making bold predictions. Following the jury’s verdict on the 34 charges against him, donations exceeding $52 million were made to Trump’s campaign team within 24 hours.
The sentencing for the “hush money case” is scheduled for July 11th, just four days before the Republican National Convention where the party will nominate its presidential candidate. The judge may sentence Trump to imprisonment, probation, or fines. Additionally, Trump faces three other criminal cases – federal charges filed by special prosecutor Jack Smith in Florida and Washington D.C., and a lawsuit filed by Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis in Georgia.
Resident Annie stated in an interview, “They just want to lock Trump up and prevent him from being elected as president.”
Resident Rachel King, who was unaware of the rally beforehand, expressed her support for Trump, emphasizing his innocence and accusing detractors of trying to thwart his election and undermine the country. She stated, “The more they impeach him, obstruct his candidacy, the more we will come out to support him. We love our families, communities, and country, while the other side is filled with hatred and evil.”
Trump is the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted by a jury. During his tenure, the Democratic Party initiated two impeachments against him. No other former president has faced as many challenges as Trump, from FBI raids at the Mar-a-Lago estate to mugshots at a Georgia prison, and now this conviction, making Trump a recurring headline.
Support for Trump among the grassroots has not waned but continues to grow. Resident Morton Smith remarked, “I am elated to see so many people here; this absurd verdict has awakened a dormant giant. We are ordinary people, but we are all working towards this. God bless America!”
The investigation into the hush money case began shortly after Trump announced his re-election campaign. Following the jury’s verdict, Trump claimed to be a political prisoner subjected to manipulated persecution and trial. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a disgraceful day in American history, with the judicial system weaponized against Trump.
President Biden stated, “Those labeling the trial as rash, dangerous, irresponsible, and manipulated are merely unhappy with the verdict,” emphasizing that Trump, like everyone else, has the right to appeal, which is how the American justice system operates.
Asked about their trust in the judicial system’s fairness, resident George explained the nuances between individual cases and the overall system, cautioning against blanket denunciation or approval based on specific instances.
George believes that Trump’s challenges stem from his defiance of the elite’s interests as he speaks for the American people, leading in election polls, which has triggered animosity and attacks from the elite. Despite the label of a “convicted felon,” George noted that approximately 15% of moderate voters may not choose Trump, but an almost equal number supports him, resulting in a roughly balanced outcome.
The rally continued for over four hours, attracting a diverse crowd that included many young participants and garnered support from passing vehicles honking in solidarity. Resident Alex Zes remarked, “Today is a great day; we are peacefully protesting for freedom of speech, which may be misconstrued by some as ‘disorder.’ ”
Zes expressed mistrust in the jury, alleging partisan biases among the members and presiding judge. He asserted that the verdict would not sway his vote, confident in Trump’s potential re-election and hopeful for a prosperous term marked by reduced prices, especially in gasoline, lowered taxes, and a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle.
Another resident, Emily, critical of the trial’s fairness, praised Trump’s economic policies and national security measures during his presidency, expressing concerns over the country’s current division and uncertain future.
Emily highlighted people’s desire for free benefits without recognizing the associated costs such as increased government control, higher taxes, and restrictions on freedom of speech and action. She defended Trump, believing that nothing comes for free and sacrifices must be made for entitlements.
Throughout the rally, bystanders filmed the event on their phones, with most unwilling to be interviewed or discuss “sensitive issues.”
Resident Diane urged people to wake up and recognize the reasons behind the country’s challenges, from insecure borders to illegal immigration and inflation, advocating for rational thinking in analyzing policies.
Diane, who immigrated to America years ago, pursued education, marriage, and business opportunities here, reflecting on the country’s current state of decline. She stressed, “No place offers as many opportunities as America does, but now the country is on a downward spiral.”