Four Ways Republicans are Targeting Democrats Over Trump’s Conviction

Congressional Republicans, angered by former President Donald Trump’s conviction by a Manhattan jury last week, are gearing up with several counteractions against Democrats.

The historic trial has caused significant upheaval among Republicans, with Trump’s supporters rallying to his defense, denouncing those involved in his conviction and proposing measures to retaliate.

Following their vocal opposition through public statements and media, lawmakers are now taking tangible political steps.

Delaying votes in the Senate

A coalition of 10 GOP senators has pledged to obstruct Democratic judicial and political appointees and block any “non-security related funding for this administration or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare” and any swift passage of Democratic legislation not directly tied to the safety of Americans.

This roster includes notable vice-presidential candidates, Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and J.D. Vance (R-OH), and three senators up for reelection: Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Josh Hawley (R-MO).

Though these 10 senators represent around one-fifth of the 49 Senate Republicans, they could effectively stall any bill with bipartisan support. While Democrats hold more votes in the Senate, with 47 along with four independent senators who caucus with them, they may still face significant delays.

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV), one of the independents and a known swing vote, has yet to comment on Trump’s conviction since his recent departure from the Democratic Party. He had previously expressed disappointment with Trump’s indictment last year.

No cash for New York

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a vocal Trump supporter, has called for the defunding of New York. “NO federal funding to New York,” she announced. “I’m calling for it!!”

“New York needs to drop their conviction of Pres Trump,” she added. “The whole thing was illegal! Republicans should not vote to fund a single penny to that corrupt state.”

While Greene’s proposal to defund New York may be more symbolic than practical, it underscores her commitment to challenging what many Republicans regard as an unjust conviction of Trump.

Cross-examination for Bragg and prosecutors

Several House Republicans are demanding that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Trump prosecutor Matthew Colangelo testify before the Judiciary Committee’s Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on June 13.

The hearing aims to investigate “actions by state and local prosecutors to engage politically motivated prosecutions of the federal government, particularly the recent political prosecution of President Donald Trump by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.”

Although the committee’s request for Bragg and Colangelo to appear isn’t compulsory, it remains to be seen whether they will attend the hearing.

Reviving pressure on Jack Smith

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has suggested a renewed effort to scrutinize special counsel Jack Smith, who is involved in two of Trump’s three other cases, in addition to Bragg’s. Johnson accused Smith of “abusing his authority as well.”

“House Republicans are investigating Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and Special Counsel Jack Smith for targeting political opponents,” Johnson posted on X. “The American people deserve answers, and we will not tolerate this two-tiered system of justice.”

MTG has proposed a plan to defund Smith’s office as he continues to pursue two other cases against Trump.

However, last month, Johnson indicated no intention to cut off funding for Smith.

“That’s not something you wave a wand and just eliminate the special counsel as a provision,” he remarked. “There is a necessity for a function like that because sometimes the Department of Justice — which is an executive branch agency — can’t, without a conflict of interest, investigate or prosecute the president who’s their boss, or the president’s family.”