'Disgusting and shameful': Internet blasts Mike Pence for saying Donald Trump's conviction sends a 'terrible message' to the world

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Vice President Mike Pence said that a "terrible message" had been sent in response to former President Donald Trump's criminal conviction in a New York City courtroom on Friday, May 31. "The conviction of former President Trump on politically motivated charges is an outrage and disservice to the nation," Pence told Fox News. 

"No one is above the law, but our courts must not become a tool to be used against political opponents," Pence continued. "To millions of Americans, this was nothing more than a political prosecution driven by a Manhattan DA who ran for office on a pledge to indict the former President and this conviction undermines confidence in our system of justice," he added.

Mike Pence said the conviction 'sends a terrible message to the wider world about the American justice system'

"This conviction also sends a terrible message to the wider world about the American justice system and only further divides us at a time when the American people are struggling under the failed policies of the Biden administration at home and abroad," the 64-year-old added. 

Pence continued, "Having been convicted in a court of law, the former president has every right to appeal this conviction and I trust it will be overturned on appeal in a manner that will restore public confidence in our system of justice and equal treatment under the law."

Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts 

On Thursday, May 30, Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in his historic and unprecedented criminal trial, making him the first former President of the United States to be convicted of a crime. The business mogul talked to reporters in the corridor outside the courtroom shortly after the jury's decision. 

"This was a disgrace. This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt, as a rigged trial and disgrace. It wouldn't give us a venue change," Trump said, adding "We were at 5% or 6% in this district, in this area. This was a rigged, disgraceful trial." He continued, "The real verdict is going to be November 5 by the people." 

Mike Pence extended his support to Donald Trump

Pence, who has previously expressed dissent to the indictment against Trump, joined a long list of Republicans who are defending Trump against the conviction.

"I think the unprecedented indictment of a former president of the United States on a campaign finance issue is an outrage," Pence told CNN in March 2023. "And it appears to millions of Americans to be nothing more than a political prosecution," he added.

Mike Pence's relationship with Donald Trump turned bitter after January 6 riots

Pence's relationship turned sour with Trump after the January 6 riots when the former President chastised him for not returning contested electoral slates to state legislatures in his capacity as Senate president. In March, Pence stated that he is not supporting Donald Trump. 

"It should come as no surprise that I will not be endorsing Donald Trump this year," Pence told the outlet at that time, adding "I'm incredibly proud of the record of our administration. It was a conservative record that made America more prosperous, more secure and saw conservatives appointed to our courts in a more peaceful world."

Internet slams Mike Pence for defending Donald Trump after his conviction

Netizens criticized the former vice president after he spoke in favor of Trump after the latter was found guilty on all the charges. One user wrote, "I’m sick of this. Politically motivated charges? There apparently was evidence enough for a conviction. So they are totally fine with the evidence existing, totally fine with Trump’s behavior, they just aren’t ok with him being held accountable for it. Disgusting and shameful." 

Another said, "What he thinks does not interest me. Lost respect for him a long time ago." "Crimes were committed; a man was convicted," echoed one user. "Thieves supporting fellow thieves," echoed another. "Oh he can politely go sit down somewhere," tweeted one user. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.