10
Loading video...
By Joe Edwards
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Former FBI director James Comey warned that former President Donald Trump's conduct throughout his recent trial and in the wake of his conviction could land him in even more serious legal trouble.
Speaking to WAMC, Comey said: "I've never seen a defendant beg for it more than this defendant. One of the things a sentencing judge takes into account is what is your level of contrition, acceptance of responsibility, or even if you don't admit you're guilty, how have you conducted yourself.
He added that Trump was "taking a flamethrower to the system" and it was "almost like he's begging to be put into a jail cell."
Read More
Trump Stock Down Amid ‘Serious Anomalies’3 min read
Donald Trump’s Jury Remarks Could Land Him in Hot Water4 min read
Republican Compares Trump’s Conviction to Dead Putin Critic Navalny3 min read
...
The Context
Comey, who was appointed FBI director in 2013 by then President Barack Obama, played a pivotal role in the 2016 presidential election by reopening an investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server for official business, shortly before election day. This action drew significant controversy and is believed to have played a role the election outcome. Trump fired Comey in 2017, citing his handling of the investigation.
Trump's decision to fire Comey sparked significant controversy, with some arguing the then president's motive was linked to the FBI's investigation into potential collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. It led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to continue the investigation.
What We Know
"I was surprised at how strong the prosecution's case was, that wasn't obvious to me from just reading the indictment, so I was impressed with the case they put on. I was not surprised with the conviction given the strength of that case, and I think in general it's a great demonstration, a civics lesson really, for America of what the rule of law looks like," said Comey during the podcast interview.
"No one is above it and everyone is treated the same. No matter who you are you have to sit at the defendants table and be quiet, the jury is protected, your lawyers get to make every argument they make, cross examine witnesses, that's how it works," he added.
Trump was convicted on May 30 on all 34 felony counts against him, relating to charges of falsifying business records over $130,000 payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Comey said Trump's conduct throughout the New York trial made it appear as though he was actively seeking to receive some form of punishment."
Comey has suggested in past interviews that Trump "could be wearing an ankle bracelet while accepting the nomination at the Republican convention [in 2024]."
Views
Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign for comment via email.
The former president's conviction provoked fervent responses from many of his political allies.
"Today is one of the darkest days in the history of our country," said Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas. "I don't know if our country can ever recover from the abuse of this government on President Donald Trump."
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene took to X to post an upside-down American flag, a symbol widely recognized as being connected to the "stop the steal" movement, which aimed to overturn President Joe Biden's 2020 election win.
What's Next?
Trump's sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just a few days before the Republican National Convention - where he is been widely expected to secure the Republican presidential nomination.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about U.S. Politics? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines