John,

In just one month, Donald Trump is scheduled to be sentenced after being convicted of 34 felony counts.

Trump’s conviction is an example of our criminal justice system working exactly as it is supposed to.

A lot of people are telling a different story—one that claims the system is rigged and the jury’s decision was rooted in politics—but that story is nothing more than Trump’s self-serving fiction.

In fact, every aspect of the case was a delivery of justice. Let’s break it down:

• District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought this case, was reluctant to prosecute Trump at first, and was apparently convinced after much investigation of the strength and importance of the case.
• The Manhattan DA’s office is an independent office within the New York state government. Bragg does not answer to President Biden, the DOJ or national and New York state Democrats. This is a state case brought by state officials under state law, and has nothing to do with Biden.
• The case as prosecuted, presented and tried was thorough and fair. It moved at a deliberate pace, even with a delay at the last minute to ensure Trump’s team had adequate time to review all evidence.
• The jury’s verdict was stronger because Trump’s defense was strong. In the end, this was two aggressive and capable teams of advocates facing off against each other, which is how our system is supposed to work.
• None of these jurors asked for this job, and they participated at their own peril, and still strove to go above and beyond to be fair and impartial.

Ironically, the one threat to the fairness of this process was Donald Trump himself.

Despite repeated warnings and a gag order in place, he repeatedly made statements that appeared intended to intimidate witnesses, court personnel and the jury.

This was a case subject to unprecedented political pressures and strong feelings on all sides, but the criminal justice system was somehow able to proceed as it should: fairly and effectively.

Those who instead are using this moment to attack the American justice system are creating a narrative that Trump is being unfairly treated for his criminal acts to serve their political agenda.

But they are simply spinning a story to try to keep Trump from looking like what he is – a convicted felon.

Don’t buy what they’re selling.

Thank you,

Noah Bookbinder
President
CREW