In a recent appearance at the Dream City Church in Phoenix, following his conviction on 34 counts of election corruption, Donald Trump’s rhetoric took a concerning turn as he addressed his supporters. Rather than accepting the verdict, Trump launched into a tirade, denouncing the trial as rigged and hinting at repercussions for the courts involved in his case.
“We have to straighten out what’s going on with these courts,” he told the crowd. “We got a rigged deal this whole country and we’ve got to do it.
“And those appellate courts have to step up and straighten things out, or we’re not going to have a country any longer,” he added.
CNN’s Abby Phillip highlighted the alarming nature of Trump’s remarks, describing them as veiled threats aimed at the judiciary. Trump’s message was clear: unless the courts rule in his favor on appeal, dire consequences await. Such rhetoric, Phillip noted, is characteristic of Trump and his followers, who consistently portray themselves as victims of a rigged system, advocating for its destruction rather than seeking reform.
The echoes of Trump’s rhetoric reverberated in the words of his former White House chief strategist, Steve Bannon, who defiantly declared his refusal to comply with a congressional subpoena. Bannon’s brazen disregard for legal authority underscores the contempt with which Trump and his inner circle view the institutions of governance.
Trump’s fixation on his political fortunes was also evident in his boasting about campaign fundraising following his conviction. Despite facing legal jeopardy, Trump proudly announced the influx of $400 million in donations, suggesting a continuation of his political ambitions.
The underlying message in Trump’s words is clear: those who oppose him, whether in the judiciary or Congress, will face his wrath. His penchant for intimidation and threats against perceived adversaries remains as strong as ever, casting a shadow over the rule of law and democratic norms.
Watch the segment below from CNN:
