Biden criticizes Trump's conviction as hopes dwindle for additional pre-election legal battles

President Joe Biden recently referred to his predecessor, Donald Trump, as a "convicted felon" for the first time. This marks a notable shift in Biden's tone towards his Republican opponent in the upcoming general election.

This heightened rhetoric from Biden was seen during an off-camera fundraiser in Connecticut on Monday evening. Some Democrats had been urging for a stronger political stance against Trump, especially after his recent guilty verdict in the New York hush money trial.

Biden expressed concern about a convicted felon running for president for the first time in American history. He also highlighted the damaging impact of Donald Trump's attack on the American justice system.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the verdict in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial and on the Middle East, from the State Dining Room of the White House, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Washington.

President Joe Biden spoke about the verdict in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial and the situation in the Middle East. He made these remarks from the State Dining Room of the White House on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Washington.

Evan Vucci/AP

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Other Democratic officials have also used similar rhetoric, but when the president himself used the phrase, it carried more weight. Despite Republicans supporting Trump after his conviction, it is uncertain how the verdict will impact swing states that could determine the outcome of the November election.

Biden's statement added another surprising twist to an election overshadowed by Trump's legal challenges. This occurred on a day when Biden's son, Hunter, made history as the first child of a sitting president to stand trial. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to charges of illegally purchasing and possessing a gun while struggling with substance abuse. Additionally, he is facing a tax trial in September.

Biden recently criticized Trump for claiming that his conviction on 34 felony counts was rigged, calling it reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible. Presidential comments made at private fundraisers can sometimes foreshadow public statements. However, Biden's strong stance may prompt the Trump campaign to accuse him of politicizing the justice system.

In a separate legal development, Trump received positive news in Georgia on Monday. He is a defendant in a racketeering case related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. The Georgia Court of Appeals scheduled oral arguments for October 4 regarding a motion to dismiss Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case.

Prosecutors pursuing Trump over his election interference case faced another setback. The trial's timing, just a month before Election Day, leaves very little time for a fair trial. Trump, who pleaded not guilty in the Georgia case, has caused delays by attempting to disqualify the prosecutor, Willis, due to her relationship with another prosecutor.

Additionally, other cases involving Trump are currently on hold.

Two federal cases against Trump, in which he’s also pleaded not guilty, are currently on hold. The US Supreme Court is set to make a decision this month regarding Trump’s request for immunity for his actions while he was president. The outcome could potentially lead to further legal battles in lower courts, which may impact special counsel Jack Smith’s election interference case with just five months left until Election Day. Additionally, the federal trial in Florida over Trump’s handling of classified documents has been delayed due to various disputes in pre-trial motions. Democrats have criticized Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, for allegedly showing political bias in her rulings.

The logjam on multiple fronts makes it difficult for the US legal system to address the alleged attempt by a former president to stay in power against the will of voters before potentially winning another mandate. This delay poses a significant threat to American democracy as it sets a precedent where future presidents may expect impunity for similar actions.

Trump's ability to avoid accountability for the 2020 election interference, thanks to his lawyers' skilled litigation, some missteps by prosecutors, and a stroke of luck, significantly increases the stakes for the upcoming November election.

If Trump loses, his future after already losing one criminal case looks incredibly grim, with three cases that are likely to eventually get to trials that will entail massive legal fees. But if Trump wins, he could appoint an attorney general who could halt the federal cases in their tracks. And his Justice Department would be sure to make every effort to delay or defray any negative outcome he faces in the Georgia case as well as the New York hush money conviction that is due to proceed to sentencing on July 11. Given the personal stakes, it’s reasonable to assume Trump will not stop at anything to regain power at a time when he’s refusing to guarantee accepting the result of the 2024 election.

Ty Cobb, a former Trump White House counsel, told CNN’s Erin Burnett on Monday that the date set in Georgia in October means there is “no possibility of this case going to trial before the election.” And he added that the chances were rising that Trump could avoid any legal accountability for his actions in 2020 if he wins in 2024.

Cobb explained that if Trump wins the election, the consequences of the federal election interference case and the classified documents matter will be very real. However, if Trump loses, these issues will likely be resolved by early to mid next year, with the Georgia case following suit.

Delaware recently made history.

The pace of Trump's criminal trials is slow compared to the quick handling of Hunter Biden's upcoming trial for tax charges in September. The cases involving the former president and the current president's son are different in complexity. Despite this, many Democrats may find it surprising that the only federal trial linked to this year's election is focused on Hunter Biden, not Trump, who pushed the limits of US democracy with his actions after the 2020 election.

This sketch from court shows the scene inside the courtroom where Hunter Biden's trial is underway on Monday, June 3, in Wilmington, Delaware.

This sketch from court shows the scene inside the courtroom where Hunter Biden's trial is underway on Monday, June 3, in Wilmington, Delaware.

Bill Hennessy

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On Monday, Joe Biden made a promise not to discuss the result of the trial. Instead, he shared a heartfelt message, expressing his unconditional love for his son and admiration for his journey in conquering his addiction to crack cocaine. As both the President and a father, Biden emphasized the importance of family.

Biden's strong language at the Monday fundraiser came after Trump's warning on Fox News the day before. Trump said that if Judge Juan Merchan gave a jail sentence after last week's guilty verdict, the public might not tolerate it. Some Democrats criticized Trump for potentially encouraging violence with his comments, especially considering his previous call for supporters to "fight like hell" before the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

Rep. Adam Schiff expressed his concern on CNN's "State of the Union" about Donald Trump potentially inciting violence again when he faces sentencing. The California Democrat criticized Trump for making another dangerous call for violence.

The upcoming hearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday will likely focus on the intersection of the 2024 election and legal issues involving both Trump and Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to face tough questioning from Republicans during the hearing.

Garland promised to rebuild confidence in the legal system after the chaotic Trump administration by ensuring that everyone follows the same rules.

Now, three years later, he has faced criticism from many in Washington for his efforts, which seem outdated in a time when judges, prosecutors, and juries are constantly under scrutiny in politically charged cases.

Hostility towards Garland has not only been from Republicans seeking vengeance after Trump's conviction. Democrats are concerned about the slow progress of federal investigations. The White House even expressed dissatisfaction to Garland after special counsel Robert Hur's report suggested President Biden's memory was significantly impaired, sparking political turmoil, as reported by CNN.

In addition, Garland is expected to face scrutiny over the Hunter Biden trial. House Republicans have used this case to try to tarnish the president's reputation, despite failing to provide any evidence of his involvement in Hunter Biden's business affairs during their unsuccessful impeachment inquiry.

Republicans were happy when a plea deal for Hunter Biden fell apart in court, thinking it was too lenient. However, the ongoing trials of Hunter Biden and Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey challenge the Republican argument that the justice system is biased, especially after the recent Trump verdict in New York.

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