President Biden on Friday called former President Donald Trump “reckless” and “dangerous” for claiming that his felony conviction was politically motivated, weighing in for the first time since a Manhattan jury returned the guilty verdict.

“It’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they didn’t like the verdict. Our justice system should be respected and we should never allow anyone to tear it down. It’s as simple as that,” Mr. Biden said in remarks from the White House.

Mr. Biden said the verdict against his chief political rival reaffirmed the American principle that “no one is above the law.”

A jury unanimously found Mr. Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, guilty Thursday on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up an election-related crime when he paid hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Mr. Biden disputed Mr. Trump’s claims of a rigged trial and jury, saying that the former president was allowed to present evidence and still retains the right to an appeal.

“In the process that Donald Trump’s jury was a part of, the jury heard five weeks of evidence and after careful deliberation, the jury reached a unanimous verdict,” he said. “Not only will he be given the opportunity as he should to appeal that decision just like everyone else has that opportunity. That’s how the American justice system works.”

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.