The guilty verdict for former President Donald Trump is fueling social media reactions from celebrities, with some eager to weigh in with their opinions on the matter.
This was after a Manhattan jury found the former president guilty of 34 felonies in the New York case on falsifying business records.
In an Instagram post, country singer Jason Aldean took aim at the decision and questioned what it means for Americans going forward.
“Scary times in our country right now, man. When a former POTUS gets treated like this by our justice system, what does that mean for the rest of us??? If there was ever a time to speak up, IT’S NOW!” he wrote.
The singer’s post included the image of an upside-down American flag, which is traditionally used as a distress signal.
Billionaire Elon Musk called the move damaging “to the public’s faith in the American legal system.”
“If a former President can be criminally convicted over such a trivial matter – motivated by politics, rather than justice – then anyone is at risk of a similar fate,” he continued on his X account.
Actor James Woods, best known for his role in “Once Upon a Time in America,” expressed his disapproval of the judicial process, claiming via X that the guilty on 34 counts was a questionable move.
“Had the jury been given clear instructions and returned a guilty verdict on a few counts, it would have been more authentic. This was simply ridiculous,” he said.
Mr. Woods continued with a series of tweets to follow, slamming President Biden and Democrats for what he believes is a “lawfare attack.”
Actor and comedian Michael Rappaport, however, believes the trial will have a different outcome than what some may assume.
“I’m predicting that Trump will win the election 2024 & just bet money on it,” he wrote on X.
Tucker Carlson echoed that sentiment, saying this will only propel Mr. Trump’s campaign forward for an election win.
“But it does mark the end of the fairest justice system in the world. Anyone who defends this verdict is a danger to you and your family,” he said on X.
Not everyone offered similar praise, “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill, shared a screenshot showing the word: “GUILTY”, while “Wonder Woman” star Lynda Carter quipped that “34 is now my favorite number.”
Singer Barbra Streisand also turned her attention to November’s election, writing the former president is blaming everyone but himself, saying “he will never accept accountability for his crimes.”
Speaking to reporters following the verdict, Mr. Trump called the trial “very unfair,” vowing his team plans on appealing the decision.
“If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone … This is a scam. This is a rigged trial … this is a rigged judge,” he said.
Meanwhile, a sentencing hearing is set for July 11.