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President Joe Biden made his first comments about Donald Trump's felony conviction during a press conference at the White House on Friday (May 31).
Biden said, "The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed. Donald Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself."
"It was a state case, not a federal case. And it was heard by a jury of 12 citizens, 12 Americans, 12 people like you, like millions of Americans who've served on juries," Biden continued. "This jury is chosen the same way every jury in America is chosen. It was the process that Donald Trump's attorney was part of."
Biden noted that the former president is free to appeal the decision of the New York City jury.
"He'll be given the opportunity, as he should, to appeal that decision, just like everyone else has that opportunity."
President Biden also pushed back on claims made by Trump that the trial was rigged.
"The jury heard five weeks of evidence, five weeks. And after careful deliberation, the jury reached a unanimous verdict. They found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts. Now, he'll be given the opportunity, as he should, to appeal that decision, just like everyone else has that opportunity. That's how the American system of justice works," he continued.
"That's how the American system of justice works, and it's reckless, it's dangerous, it's irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don't like the verdict," the president said. "Our justice system has endured for nearly 250 years, and it literally is a cornerstone of America. Our justice system should be respected. We should never allow anyone to tear it down. It's as simple as that."