Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has criticized the business records case against former President Donald Trump as politically motivated. During an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Cuomo, a Democrat and former Attorney General of New York, expressed his belief that the case would not have been pursued if Trump were not the defendant.
“The attorney general’s case in New York, frankly, should have never been brought,” Cuomo stated. “If his name was not Donald Trump and he wasn’t running for president — I’m the former AG [attorney general] in New York — I’m telling you, that case would have never been brought. And that’s what’s offensive to people.”
Cuomo emphasized that such a case undermines trust in the justice system, suggesting that it was politically charged. “It should be [offensive], because if there’s anything left, it’s belief in the justice system,” he added.
Trump was convicted in late May of felony crimes related to a scheme to influence the 2016 election through a payment to a porn actor who claimed they had an affair. The conviction includes 34 charges, and sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Despite the conviction, GOP leaders are expected to formally nominate Trump for the presidency at the convention.
Cuomo warned that the trial poses a significant threat to democracy. “When you have this country believing you are playing politics with the justice system and you’re trying to put people in jail or convict them for political reasons, then we have a real problem,” he said.
The case has sparked widespread debate about the intersection of politics and the legal system, with supporters arguing that accountability is necessary, while critics like Cuomo warn of the dangers of politicizing justice.
As the sentencing date approaches, the nation remains divided on the implications of this high-profile legal battle.
