Republican presidential candidate received a hostile response at the Florida Freedom Summit when he suggested that former President (R) may face conviction in the upcoming year.
Trump currently faces four separate criminal indictments consisting of 91 felony charges related to various offenses, including a hush money payment to a porn star, mishandling of classified documents, interference in the 2020 election, and instigation of the 2021 Capitol riot.
During the GOP summit, Hutchinson outlined his predictions for the outcome of Trump’s trials in Georgia, New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C.
“Based on the evidence, there is a significant likelihood that Donald Trump will be found guilty on a felony offense next year,” stated the former Arkansas governor to the crowd.
Hutchinson, who has been critical of Trump, previously expressed skepticism about Trump’s ability to assume office if he were to win the 2024 presidential race. In August, he spoke with CNN and voiced his belief that Trump would not secure the GOP nomination and questioned his eligibility to run.
“I’m not even sure he’s qualified to be the next president,” Hutchinson remarked, referring to arguments that Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, rendered him ineligible for office.
Hutchinson was not the only one to face a frosty reception at the summit. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), another presidential candidate who has been vocal in his criticisms of Trump, was also met with boos and heckling. One audience member even shouted “Trump!” which prompted Christie to reprimand the predominantly Trump-supporting crowd.
“What a shock, you’re for Trump. I’m going to fall over dead,” retorted Christie. “Now look, all of those boos, catcalls, and yells will not solve any of the problems we face in this country.”
Furthermore, he criticized the crowd members for their “pettiness” and “fear” of the truth, stating that their anger against the truth is reprehensible.
