Rep. Claudia Tenney asks Gov. Hochul to pardon Trump

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A member of Congress representing part of Western New York has asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to pardon former President Donald Trump.

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-24) issued a letter to the governor, addressing the recent verdict in the hush money trial against Trump. The former president was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, making him the first former president to have a felony conviction.

“This case undermines the impartiality and credibility of our once venerable justice system and cannot be allowed to stand,” Tenney wrote in her letter.

Tenney’s district includes Genesee, Wyoming and the eastern half of Niagara County. The congresswoman, who was endorsed by Trump in March, has been critical of his conviction in the past.

“As a member of the New York Bar and daughter of a New York State Supreme Court Justice, I am appalled by the unethical politically motivated antics of Judge Merchan,” Tenney said in a May 30 statement. “He imposed unnecessary and unconstitutional gag orders on President Trump, effectively silencing him and hindering his ability to campaign freely.”

In her letter, Tenney also took shots at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, calling for his removal and claiming his office has “targeted individuals in search of crimes.”

“Millions of Americans, even those who don’t support President Trump, would agree with my assessment of this case and fully support the pardoning of President Trump,” Tenney said.

Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter .