Asa Hutchinson Outlines The 'Major Point' From Trump's Guilty Verdict
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on Friday explained why the guilty verdict in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial shouldn’t be “lightly dismissed.”
“You had 12 jurors who, from all appearances, really devoted themselves to seeking the truth in this case, and all 12 of them unanimously said on 34 counts, Donald Trump is guilty,” Hutchinson said on NewsNation after the former president was convicted on dozens of charges amid his 2024 White House run.
“I don’t think that should be lightly dismissed.”
Hutchinson, a former presidential candidate and frequent Trump critic, said that the judge’s jury instructions could be challenged and the conviction could be reversed on appeal, but noted that people still shouldn’t “diminish” the verdict after weeks of testimony.
“That’s the major point,” he said.
“This is a serious moment for the United States of America. No one should be gleeful about a conviction of a former president, and Republicans should be very concerned that we have a presumptive nominee that has now been convicted of serious felony charges.”
In November, the former Arkansas governor was brutally booed by a Florida GOP crowd when he said there was a “significant likelihood” that Trump could be convicted in 2024.
“It might not make any difference to you, but it will make a difference for our chances to attract independent voters in November,” Hutchinson said while attending the Florida Republican Party’s Freedom Summit.
“It will make a difference for those down-ticket races for Congress and Senate. And it will weaken the GOP for decades to come.”