Donald Trump on Monday called the George Zimmerman trial a "traumatic period for the country," saying jurors in the case showed courage in reaching a not-guilty verdict.
“I think it took a lot of courage for the jurors to come up with this decision, frankly,” the businessman said, speaking by phone on "Fox & Friends." "From a legal perspective, they did the right thing."
Trump noted the flood of negative comments about the verdict coming from top celebrities.
"This is great hostility. Amazing. You have thousands and thousands of trials going on in this country. But this one captured everyone, for whatever reason," Trump said.
Jurors, Trump pointed out, didn't see all the evidence.
"It was brought without showing some pretty bad pictures of Zimmerman and other things. No pictures of how badly he was hurt,” said Trump.
After Saturday’s verdict was announced, Trump tweeted, "Zimmerman is no angel but the lack of evidence and the concept of self-defense, especially in Florida law, gave the jury little other choice."
Trump said he found the trial "fascinating,” and offered advice on what Zimmerman should do needed to do next.
"I think he should disappear. It's good for everybody if he disappears. Let him get on with his life, but he should just leave.”