Guam Delegate James Moylan called last week’s conviction against former President Donald Trump “unfortunate.”

In a statement to KUAM, Moylan stated in part, “The entire case seemed politically motivated from the start, led by politically compromised individuals making evident that this was a classic weaponization of the Department of Justice.”

The delegate, who is up for reelection, added he is confident Trump will return to the White House in 2025, stating, “Things need to change.”

Last Friday, a New York jury convicted Trump in his “hush money” trial finding him guilty on all counts, making him the first former President in U.S. history to be convicted of a crime.

You can read the delegate's full statement below.

While not surprising, the verdict was unfortunate.  The entire case seemed politically motivated from the start, led by politically compromised individuals making evident that this was a classic weaponization of the Department of Justice.  Their intent was on keeping the leading Republican Presidential candidate off the ballot. Even the timing of the sentencing date is disputable.  The larger issue is not just about who was on trial, but about the judicial system itself, and how this could set a questionable precedent moving forward.

I do believe that through the appeals process, this verdict will eventually be overcome.  At the same time, I also believe there is a strong movement nationally, including with those across the political aisle, that this case was indeed political in nature, that coupled with the low approval ratings of the incumbent, President Trump will return to the White House in 2025.

As a Member of Congress, I have experienced firsthand that this incumbent administration has not been very territory friendly, is more focused on ceremonial words and less on action when it comes to the Pacific Islander community.  They proposed to reduce the funding for programs territories rely on, including with the Office of Insular Affairs, and a recent GAO report outlines that the focus and care for our veterans are not up to standards. Things need to change.