The GOP’s gaslighters
While the pace of justice may move slowly, this week was a reminder that our system does still have the capacity to hold Americans, no matter who they are, to account.
Just after 5 p.m. on Thursday evening, a jury of 12 everyday Americans found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
But while our justice system remains intact, our political system is eroding thanks in large part to Trump’s grip on the Republican Party. Just moments after the verdict, House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “shameful day in American history.”
My statement on President Trump trial verdict:
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) May 30, 2024
Today is a shameful day in American history. Democrats cheered as they convicted the leader of the opposing party on ridiculous charges, predicated on the testimony of a disbarred, convicted felon. This was a purely political…
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, a Trump vice presidential hopeful, said the verdict was an “absolute injustice.” Longtime Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham called it a “rigged verdict.”
And Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida went on television Friday morning to attack the jury — those regular, randomly selected citizens just trying to fulfill their civic obligations.
So yes, justice has been served through a lengthy, but fair process. But it also highlighted the bad intentions of a party — now led by a man with a felony conviction — that is not only bad for our institutions, but dangerous for those who serve in them.
A story you should be following: Mexico’s first female president
Mexico is poised to elect its first-ever female president on Sunday.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the front-runner and former mayor of Mexico City, has maintained a sizable lead in national polls for months. Her main opponent is Xóchitl Gálvez, a tech entrepreneur who represents a coalition of parties united in their opposition to current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Crime and public safety are top issues, with both candidates offering proposals to curb violence, though Sheinbaum’s opponents claim she will just continue López Obrador’s current policies. (Sheinbaum has slammed “misogynistic” critics who label her as López Obrador’s “puppet.”)
Though this election will result in Mexico’s first female president, Latin America has long been ahead of the female leadership trend. And the U.S. has a lot of catching up to do.
Someone you should know: Molly Cook
This week, Texas state Sen. Molly Cook narrowly defeated state Rep. Jarvis Johnson (again) to secure the Democratic nomination for the Texas Senate seat recently vacated by Houston’s new mayor, John Whitmire.
Cook had previously defeated Johnson earlier this month in a special election following Whitmire’s resignation. Just two weeks ago, she was sworn in to fill Whitmire’s seat through the end of the year; it’s a seat that has not been open since 1978.
Next, Cook will face sole Republican candidate Joseph Trahan in the November general election.
Cook, who would be the first LGBTQ+ member of the Texas Senate, is an emergency room nurse and community organizer with a special focus on equitable transportation. Abortion rights is also a key part of Cook’s campaign. Reproductive health care is a personal issue for the candidate, who has publicly shared the story of her 2014 abortion.
1/ Today is the 49th anniversary of #RoeVWade. In 2014, I had an abortion. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life; it shouldn't have been.
— Senator Molly Cook (@MollyforTexas) January 22, 2022
I'm sharing my story so my community and future constituents know they are not alone. That I see them and love them. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/E3cA5Fb2eJ
Cook’s bravery and trailblazing spirit is refreshing, and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on her through November and beyond.
Kristy Greenberg’s weekend routine
Kristy Greenberg, a former SDNY criminal division deputy chief, is currently an MSNBC legal analyst and author. Follow @KGreenberg_ to stay up to date on Trump’s ongoing legal challenges.
What show are you bingeing right now?
“Hacks” on HBO Max. If you love and miss Joan Rivers or enjoyed “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” don’t miss this hilarious star turn by Jean Smart.
What’s the last book you read?
“Taste: My Life Through Food,” by Stanley Tucci. Tucci’s stories about his Italian family made me nostalgic for my Sicilian grandmother’s Sunday dinners.
What time do you wake up on the weekends?
7 a.m., though it can be earlier depending on the time and place of my son’s soccer games.
How do you take your coffee?
Skim milk and two Splendas, but I replace the skim milk with cannoli creamer when I want to treat myself.
Jen Psaki is the host of "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" airing Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 p.m. EST. She is the former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden.