The conviction of former President Donald Trump in the Manhattan felony hush payment case has ignited a wave of Republican backlash against the legal system and even led to internal strife among party members. This division was clearly illustrated by the reaction to former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s call for respect towards the legal process, highlighting the tension within the party.
Hogan, who is currently the Republican nominee for Senate in Maryland, expressed his thoughts on the social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of respecting the legal verdict. “Regardless of the result, I urge all Americans to respect the verdict and the legal process,” Hogan posted. He further appealed for unity, stating, “At this dangerously divided moment in our history, all leaders — regardless of party — must not pour fuel on the fire with more toxic partisanship. We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.”
However, Hogan’s plea for calm and respect was met with hostility from some corners of his party. Mike Davis, a pro-Trump legal activist and former law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, sharply criticized Hogan in a personal attack, writing, “F— you, Larry. Go eat” — a comment that also took a dig at Hogan’s well-documented struggles with weight. Hogan has been public about his weight issues, which he says were exacerbated by the stress of his lymphoma treatment and his tenure in public office.
The reaction to Hogan’s statement did not stop with Davis. High-profile figures within the Trump circle also voiced their disapproval. Senior Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita bluntly told Hogan, “You just ended your campaign,” while far-right activist Laura Loomer condemned Hogan, declaring, “Go to hell. Your campaign for Senate is OFFICIALLY OVER!”
This internal conflict reflects the broader turmoil within the Republican Party as it grapples with its identity and direction following Trump’s conviction. The incident underscores the challenges moderate Republicans face when they call for civility and adherence to democratic principles, often clashing with the more vociferous factions within their party. The episode with Hogan is just a microcosm of the larger ideological battle brewing among Republicans, as they navigate the repercussions of Trump’s legal battles and their impact on the party’s future.