A New York jury has convicted Donald Trump on all 34 counts in his hush-money case, just five months before the election where he aims to reclaim the White House. The former president was found guilty of falsifying business records to conceal a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s reaction and appeal
Trump, released without bail, called the verdict a “disgrace” and “rigged,” promising that the “real verdict” will come from voters in the November 5 presidential election. He is expected to appeal the conviction.
Political implications
The conviction places the U.S. in unprecedented political territory but does not prevent Trump from continuing his presidential campaign. Sentencing is set for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention.
The jury deliberated for over 11 hours, concluding that Trump falsified records to reimburse his lawyer for a $130,000 payment to Daniels, intended to silence her before the 2016 election. Prosecutors argued it was part of a broader scheme to deceive voters. Trump’s defense claimed influencing an election was simply “democracy.”
Broader context
This trial has distracted Trump from his campaign against President Joe Biden. Despite media attention and daily speeches, Trump did not testify. Political analysts suggest the conviction might not significantly sway votes but could impact tight races.
Trump could face up to four years in jail per count, but as a first-time offender, experts believe probation is more likely. An appeal could take months. Even if he wins the presidency, he cannot pardon himself since the case is state-level, not federal.
Trump also faces charges related to conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and hoarding secret documents after leaving the White House.