Trump's Anticipated Reaction to Criminal Trial Verdict: Anger and Retribution

The verdict in former President Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial remains a mystery for now, but his likely reaction is less uncertain. Regardless of the outcome, Mr. Trump is expected to respond with anger and retribution against those he perceives responsible for the Manhattan district attorney’s prosecution. This pattern has been evident in his past responses to legal challenges.

Even with a full acquittal, Mr. Trump is likely to be furious and vengeful, publicly attacking his perceived enemies at rallies and on Truth Social, while privately urging his House Republican allies to target his Democratic adversaries with subpoenas. This response mirrors his actions following previous investigations and impeachments, where he sought retribution against those involved.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, Mr. Trump’s former White House communications director, stated, “Regardless of the outcome, the playbook is the same.” Griffin, now a critic of Mr. Trump, began working for him shortly after his first impeachment trial.

Mr. Trump’s team is still planning his post-trial activities, pending the jury's decision. Public interest in the trial, centered on allegations of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments during the 2016 election, remains uncertain. Private polling by Trump’s advisers shows his support has not significantly declined, even during intense testimony.

However, polling suggests a conviction could sway some voters against him, though even his strongest opponents are skeptical of this impact. Conversely, an acquittal or hung jury might boost his standing, especially as he leads President Biden in many key state polls.

“A hung jury or acquittal is gold for Trump,” said Griffin. “He can turn this into political jet fuel.”

After previous investigations, Mr. Trump sought retribution rather than celebrating his legal escapes. Following the release of the Mueller report, he demanded action against those who led the inquiry. His attorney general appointed a special counsel, John Durham, to investigate the investigators, but the process was too slow for Mr. Trump, who wanted immediate prosecutions.

After his first impeachment, Mr. Trump was similarly angry. He scowled and cursed at the television in his private dining room, despite his acquittal. Griffin noted, “He is incapable of taking a win, even when it benefits him.”

The day after his Senate acquittal in 2020, Mr. Trump lashed out at Democrats at the National Prayer Breakfast, embodying his favorite Bible message: “an eye for an eye.” His sense of grievance and quest for revenge continued after his second impeachment, targeting Republican lawmakers who voted against him.

This time, the retribution could be more severe, especially if Mr. Trump retakes the White House. He has blamed President Biden for his legal troubles and promised to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the “Biden crime family” if re-elected.

The trial verdict, arriving in the midst of a presidential campaign, adds a new dynamic to the fallout. John R. Bolton, Mr. Trump’s former national security adviser, predicted that Mr. Trump will blame President Biden for the trial’s outcome and continue to display a sense of injury.

Mr. Trump has already attacked those involved in his prosecution, including Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, Judge Juan M. Merchan, and his family, violating a gag order multiple times. Allies like Stephen K. Bannon have urged House Republicans to issue subpoenas related to Mr. Trump’s prosecutions, framing them as part of a Biden-directed conspiracy.

“This prosecution is part of President Biden’s lawfare and election interference against President Trump,” said Mike Davis, a Republican lawyer and Trump supporter. He called for aggressive subpoenas from the House Judiciary Committee.

Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign official, echoed the sentiment, stating, “President Trump is innocent and the American people know it.”