In an unprecedented moment in American history, former President Donald Trump was convicted on Thursday for falsifying business records, a crime tied to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
After a brief two-day deliberation, the 12-member jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony charges. The verdict was delivered in a tense courtroom where Trump maintained a stoic demeanor as the jury confirmed their unanimous decision.
Sentencing has been scheduled for July 11, right before the Republican Party’s national convention where Trump is expected to be nominated for the upcoming presidential election on November 5. Although the maximum sentence for falsifying business documents is four years, those convicted often receive lesser penalties such as fines or probation. Trump will remain free until sentencing and could legally continue his campaign, and even assume office if elected.
As the verdict was announced, Trump denounced the trial as unfair and declared his intention to appeal swiftly. “This was a disgrace,” he told reporters, insisting on his innocence and asserting the real judgment would come from voters in November.
Leaving the courthouse, Trump gave a thumbs-up through his SUV’s tinted window to his gathered supporters and journalists. Opinion polls suggest a tight race between Trump and the incumbent President Joe Biden, with the guilty verdict potentially affecting Trump’s support among independent and Republican voters.
This case, considered the least significant among the four criminal prosecutions Trump faces, took center stage as the first likely to reach a verdict before the election. The jury’s decision followed a five-week trial with explicit testimony from Stormy Daniels about her alleged affair with Trump in 2006, which he denies. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, testified that Trump approved a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, disguised as legal fees.
Trump’s defense team attacked Cohen’s credibility, pointing to his criminal past and history of deceit. However, the jury found Cohen’s testimony credible enough to convict.
The Trump campaign is reportedly considering selecting a female vice-presidential candidate in response to the verdict. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign website labeled him a “political prisoner” and solicited donations.
The Biden campaign responded to the verdict by emphasizing that no one is above the law and urged voters to keep Trump out of office through the electoral process. The White House did not comment on the matter.
Republican leaders condemned the verdict, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling it a “shameful day in American history.” Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche requested the court to overturn the verdict, which was denied by Justice Juan Merchan.
Trump’s appeal is expected to challenge Daniels’ testimony and the legal strategy employed by the prosecutors. Despite the challenges ahead, Trump remains defiant, with his legal team aiming for a rapid review.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office elevated the charges from misdemeanors to felonies, arguing that Trump concealed an illegal campaign contribution. Bragg highlighted the jury’s role as the ultimate decider of Trump’s guilt.
As Trump navigates multiple legal battles, he continues to frame these prosecutions as politically motivated attacks by his opponents. His legal entanglements, however, pose significant implications for his presidential ambitions and the nation’s political landscape.
