NY Republicans Break Silence About Trump’s Hush Money Case

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) recently argued that the ongoing legal battles against former President Donald Trump, particularly the New York hush money case, could ultimately backfire and help him secure another victory in the 2024 election. During a Saturday appearance on Fox News, Lawler pointed to what he called the “irony” in how two New York prosecutors—Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James—may have unintentionally boosted Trump’s political prospects.

Lawler said, “I don’t think anyone has done more to help elect Donald Trump than Alvin Bragg and Tish James.” These remarks were aimed at the two officials, who, according to Lawler, made the decision to target Trump during their campaigns. “They campaigned on going after Trump, and they followed through. But the charges they brought don’t hold up,” the congressman added.

Lawler’s comments come as Trump faces legal challenges in New York. On January 10, just days before Trump’s scheduled inauguration for a potential second term, Judge Juan Merchan will issue a ruling on the hush money case. Despite the conviction on 34 counts, there’s speculation that Merchan may not impose a severe punishment due to concerns about Trump’s presidential immunity.

Trump, for his part, has strongly denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated and labeling the judge as corrupt. “This is just a baseless attack by the Biden-Harris administration, trying to take down their political opponent,” Trump claimed.

Lawler, who has been outspoken about the case, believes that Bragg’s prosecution was flawed from the start. He argued, “Bragg took a minor federal violation, which would have been handled by the FEC, and turned it into a state felony. That alone should have led to the case being dismissed.”

In the eyes of many Republicans, the continued legal battles against Trump have only strengthened his political base, galvanizing supporters who view these actions as part of a larger campaign to undermine his political future. Lawler’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among conservatives that these legal proceedings could ultimately serve to rally Trump’s supporters and fuel his 2024 presidential bid.