Recent interview on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo didn’t hold back in sharing his views on the legal actions against former President Donald Trump. Cuomo’s comments, reported by Fox News on June 22, 2024, shed light on what he perceives as the politicization of Trump’s case and its potential ramifications.
Cuomo expressed his belief that the case against Trump, particularly concerning hush money payments, might not have materialized if Trump weren’t in the running for the presidency. He aligned with Maher’s observation that the New York District Attorney’s pursuit of the case appeared heavily influenced by political motives. Cuomo bluntly stated, “The attorney general’s case in New York frankly should have never been brought.”
Despite Trump’s divisive reputation in New York, Cuomo highlighted a surprising sentiment among New Yorkers. He referenced polls indicating that a significant portion of the populace perceives the justice system’s actions against Trump as politically biased. “The trials in New York, New Yorkers said – 66% said the justice system is politicized. And there’s nobody in New York who likes Trump,” Cuomo pointed out.
More Read
While acknowledging Trump’s legal woes, Cuomo also warned about the broader implications of politicized prosecutions. He emphasized that eroding public trust in the fairness of the justice system poses a severe threat to democracy. “And you want to talk about a threat to democracy: when you have this country believing you’re playing politics with the justice system and you’re trying to put people in jail or convict them for political reasons, then we have a real problem,” Cuomo asserted.
The conversation between Cuomo and Maher delved into the financial fallout of Trump’s legal battles. Maher noted the significant fundraising efforts Trump has leveraged from his supporters post-conviction, dubbing it the “greatest fundraising bonanza ever.”
Both Cuomo and Maher appeared to share a consensus regarding the nature of the case against Trump, particularly its association with hush money. Maher expressed skepticism about bringing this specific case, foreseeing its perpetual association with a sex scandal. Cuomo, drawing from his experience as New York’s former Attorney General, echoed this sentiment, attributing the case’s pursuit to Trump’s status and presidential aspirations.
Cuomo concluded by reiterating the importance of upholding trust in the justice system, emphasizing that the politicization of legal proceedings undermines this essential trust. “And it should be,” he continued, “because if there’s anything left, it’s belief in the justice system.”
In summary, Cuomo’s critique of Trump’s conviction highlights broader concerns about the politicization of justice and its potential impact on public confidence in democratic institutions.
