CBS
Former President Donald Trump, reeling from a recent guilty verdict in the Manhattan hush-money case, reportedly implored House Speaker Mike Johnson to assist him in overturning the conviction, as revealed in a new report.
According to Politico, Trump’s plea to Johnson came in a heated phone call characterized by “frequent F-bombs” shortly after the May 31 verdict. Sources familiar with the conversation stated that Trump directly told Johnson, “We have to overturn this.”
Johnson, who had previously “volunteered” to attend Trump’s trial as a gesture of support, is said to have shown sympathy towards Trump’s concerns. The House Speaker has allegedly engaged in multiple discussions with Trump regarding potential actions the House could take as Trump seeks to challenge the legal outcome.
The former president’s efforts to rally support for his cause were slated to continue with a scheduled meeting on Capitol Hill with House Republicans. While the meeting was ostensibly focused on the upcoming election season and legislative agenda for 2025, Trump’s own legal troubles were expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
Trump’s conviction in the Manhattan case has further intensified his legal battles, prompting him to explore avenues for appeal and political intervention. The implications of the guilty verdict have raised significant concerns within Trump’s circle, leading to fervent discussions about potential strategies to counteract its effects.
As Trump navigates the fallout from his conviction, his interactions with Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Johnson, are poised to influence the political landscape significantly. The dynamics between Trump and the House Speaker underscore broader tensions within the GOP over how to navigate Trump’s continued influence amidst ongoing legal and political challenges.
The developments surrounding Trump’s plea to overturn his guilty verdict highlight the intersection of legal accountability and political maneuvering, setting the stage for further contentious debates within both legal and legislative arenas.
