State Leaders, Local Political Analyst Weigh In On Trump Trial Verdict

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felonies by the jury in his "hush money" trial in New York on Thursday, making him the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a crime.

Justice Juan Merchan set a sentencing date of July 11, just four days before the start of the Republican National Convention, where Trump will be formally nominated as the party's standard-bearer. He could face up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine for each count, but Merchan has broad discretion when imposing a sentence, and could limit the punishment to a fine, probation, home confinement or other options.

Trump Guilty In 'Hush Money' Trial As Jury Hands Down Verdict On Felony Charges

Political Analyst Scott Mitchell Weighs In

The News 9 team sat down with News 9 and News On 6 political analyst Scott Mitchell on Thursday to hear his thoughts on what could be next.

When asked, “Does this conviction hurt or help former President Trump in the upcoming election?” Mitchell stated, “When you see Senator (Markwayne) Mullin, the talking points are out and this is gonna have repercussions for the next 19 days especially. But anybody who thinks this is going to hurt the former president in this state is not dealing with reality. It'll help him.”

Will the decision made by the jury affect the primary election on June 18?

“This is a primary where your conservative Republicans show up. Ok. These are conservative Republicans,” Mitchell said. “You're going to see state leaders denouncing this tomorrow. So in terms of a primary, the primary for Republicans is going to shift, right? It's going feature Donald Trump and you can bet on that.”

What does this do for Trump’s chances of winning the presidency? 

“Well, we're not Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin or Pennsylvania. And that's the difference. This is the national election. It’s going to be five states. Oklahoma is not gonna really matter that much,” Mitchell said.

Reactions To Trump Verdict

In an interview with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, News 9’s Washington Bureau Chief, Alex Cameron heard his reaction.

“We all know these charges are going to be overthrown by the Supreme Court, but yet that doesn't stop a court and an aggressive prosecuting attorney, an aggressive state from using their hatred to go after Trump and do anything they can to keep him off their ballot, “Mullin said. 

Senator Mullen says that he believes this won't hurt the former president at the ballot box.

Clark Brewster, attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels, shared with News 9 in an interview his reaction:

“This proves our justice system has no man above it. And 12 people sat down and listened to this testimony and applied the law to the facts, you have to have respect for that,” Brewster said.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued the following statement after the trial.

“This is a weaponization of our justice system, plain and simple. Regardless of which party is in power, a move like this disrespects the office of the President. This decision has created chaos and will lead to a lack of trust in our government. I’m glad Trump will appeal and I hope another judge will bring some sense to this matter,” said Stitt.

Congressman Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma issued the following statement after President Trump was found guilty.

“Most Americans understand that this trial was a political witch hunt and would have never been brought forth if Donald Trump was not running for President,” said Brecheen. “Today is a dark day for our country and is an embarrassment to our judicial system. This is clear election interference by Democrats in liberal New York City. Americans will not forget this.”

Congressman Kevin Hern issued the following statement:

This is a dark day in our Nation’s history. Democrats would rather lock up their political opponent than win at the ballot box. This is the United States of America, not some banana republic.

Representative Stephanie Bice posted the following on X:

Today’s decision is the result of a long and politically driven process due to the weaponization of our justice system. President Trump must appeal.

U.S. Senator James Lankford stated:

The American people will be the judge November 5. Everyone should expect equal justice under the law, free from bias or interference. Millions of Americans’ believe our justice system was weaponized, from start to finish for political gain, including deciding sentencing days before the biggest campaign event—the RNC convention in Milwaukee.

Representative Frank Lucas responded with the following:

No one can be surprised by the political decision from the court in New York today. Thank goodness President Trump is a fighter. He will not let this stop his efforts to save America.

Representative Tom Cole also responded after the verdict:

This verdict against President Trump is a farce and weaponization of the courts. Thankfully President Trump is a fighter and will appeal and move forward. This is a sad example of political gamesmanship. We must restore faith in our Judicial system.