World leaders have largely remained silent since former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 criminal counts in New York City this week, but those who have spoken out have expressed shock at the verdict and support for Mr. Trump.
“I know the president. [Donald Trump] “He should be a man of honor,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a former aide to Trump during the administration, said in an X post.
“As president, he always put America first, earned respect around the world, and used that respect to build peace,” Orban wrote. “Let the people pass judgment in November! Keep fighting, Mr. President!”
A New York City jury deliberated for two days on the verdict in the six-week trial, reaching its 11th-hour verdict and going home that same day to find Trump guilty of all 34 charges of first-degree falsifying business records. Trump has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.
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Donald Trump arrives at Trump Tower on Thursday, May 30, 2024, after being convicted of 34 counts of first-degree falsifying business records. (Felipe Ramares for Fox News Digital)
Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, although many expect him to appeal.
Some world leaders, including longtime allies and those who compare the U.S. unfavorably to a troubled government with a history of using the justice system for political purposes, are urging Trump to continue fighting for the presidency in just that way.
“Solidarity and full support [Donald Trump]”They are the victims of judicial harassment and a process of a political nature,” Matteo Salvini, vice president of Italy’s Council of Ministers, wrote to X.
“In Italy, the weaponization of the justice system by the left is unfortunately well known, as there have been attempts for many years to eliminate political opponents through legal means,” Salvini wrote. “I hope that Trump wins, which would guarantee greater balance and hope for world peace.”
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In the UK, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has so far remained silent on the issue, but his rivals have expressed conflicting views on the matter. Nigel Farage, a longtime ally of President Trump and honorary leader of the Reform UK Party, expressed his disgust with the ruling, while Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said he “respected” the court’s decision.
“This verdict is a disgrace. Trump will now win a landslide victory,” Farage wrote on X shortly after the verdict, but appearing on GB News on Friday added: “Of course I will stand up and defend Donald Trump. The world would be a much safer place with him in the White House.”
Starmer pointed out that the verdict was just the first step in a long ongoing trial, warning: “First and foremost, we respect the court’s decision in Mr Trump’s case. There is still a sentence to be decided and there may be an appeal but we will respect the court process.”
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“…We have a special relationship with the United States, whoever the president is, but there’s no question that this is an unprecedented situation,” he acknowledged. According to Reuters.
“When it comes to Trump, the fact is clear that he will use all means, legal and illegal, to eliminate his political rivals,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said sarcastically.
Several further muted comments from Japanese and British officials offered a fair response, ultimately arguing that the process should be allowed to complete before anyone could comment, for fear of appearing to interfere in a foreign election.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yorimada Hayashi told reporters, “We would like to refrain from commenting on matters relating to judicial procedures in other countries.”
Hayashi said, “The Japanese government is not in a position to comment on the impact on the (U.S.) presidential election,” and added, “In any case, we are closely monitoring related developments and will continue to gather information.”
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UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride told Sky News: “We have a long-standing practice of not interfering in overseas elections so I can’t comment on this specific question, just as we don’t expect US politicians to start commenting on UK general elections.”
“It’s obviously a dramatic, very dramatic turn of events. We’ll wait and see what happens, but the ultimate choice will be made by the American people in November.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
