Pence warns Trump conviction sends 'terrible message' to the world about US judicial system

Former Vice President Mike Pence broke his silence on Friday, regarding his former boss's conviction of 34 felonies, claiming the verdict was a "disservice to the nation," and sent a "terrible message" to the rest of the world about the United States judicial system.

Former President Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide the hush money payment. Trump has maintained his innocence and said he will appeal the ruling. He will be sentenced on July 11.

Pence, who served as Trump's vice president from 2017-2021, said the verdict was an "outrage" and accused the court of becoming a tool used for political purposes. 

"The conviction of former President Trump on politically motivated charges is an outrage and disservice to the nation," Pence told Fox News. "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 continued, "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."

Pence added that he believes the ruling will be overturned on appeal. Pence's response makes him the latest Republican to comment on the issue, but his remarks are in line with other public statements on the case. Pence previously voiced opposition to Trump's indictment last year, claiming it was "nothing more than political prosecution." 

The former vice president's comments also come after Pence claimed he would not be voting for Trump this November. He has also condemned President Joe Biden, but it is not clear who he will support instead. Pence launched his own bid for the presidency against his former boss last year.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.