Cover-up payment procedure - Jury determines Donald Trump is responsible for all 34 accusations.
In the historic trial of Donald Trump for hush money payments, the ex-President has been found guilty on all 34 counts. Judge Juan Merchan addressed the jury on Thursday, stating, "You have treated this case with the attention it deserved." This marks the first time a former US President has been convicted criminally in history. Outside the court, Trump declared the verdict a "disgrace" in a brief statement and stressed that the real decision would be made on the coming election on November 5th. He claimed he was innocent and would keep fighting. He said, "I am a very innocent man."
Donald Trump Convicted: Appeal Expected
The convicted former President maintained composure during the announcement, shutting his eyes. His sentence will be announced on July 11th. Trump, aged 77, could potentially face up to four years in prison, which could be suspended, or a fine.
Given the accusations, it's likely that an appeal is in the works. Trump was indicted for falsifying business records in relation to $130,000 he paid to Stormy Daniels in 2016 to suppress information about a rumored 2006 affair. Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, had given Daniels the payment. Trump admitted to reimbursing Cohen for the money.
During the trial, Trump denied the charges. He also complained about the process, insisting it was politically motivated. However, his attorneys argued this was just attorney fees.
The jury of seven men and five women had been listening to testimony from over 20 witnesses since mid-April, with their possible verdict being decided since Wednesday.
Potential Election Repercussions
The verdict could have consequences in the ongoing US elections. Trump could use this as a victory for his supporters but may tarnish his reputation to some voters. Biden, current President, appears to have benefited little thus far. The recent polls suggest the verdict's impact on voters' decisions for November 5th will be minimal. The gravity of the sentence could potentially shift opinions, particularly if imprisonment is considered.
The trial took place under immense media scrutiny and security measures in New York. American news outlets followed the event intensively and provided minute-by-minute updates, as television filming was prohibited inside the courtroom. Trump regularly appeared, donning various ties.
Courtroom 1530, where the trial played out, witnessed Trump exhibiting a mix of interest and boredom, which at times extended to keeping his eyes closed for extended periods. Trump turned the trial into a rallying point for his Republican supporters, calling the proceedings a politically-motivated attack. Numerous attendees included House Speaker Mike Johnson, VP candidates Senator J.D. Vance and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and his children Eric, Donald Jr., and Tiffany. Ivanka was conspicuously absent, with Melania refusing to express public support for her husband.
The prosecution claimed this matter, involving alleged fake invoices and indebtedness, to be a conspiracy targeting illegal influence on the 2016 presidential election. Trump's attorney Michael Cohen, editor of a tabloid, David Pecker, and other players were allegedly tasked with investigating and suppressing reports of Trump's extramarital affairs. According to prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, these efforts could have contributed to Trump's election victory. Meanwhile, Trump's defense persisted in maintaining his innocence and challenged the prosecution's narrative. They also attacked Cohen's credibility, labeling him "the greatest liar of all time." The prosecution attempted to corroborate Cohen's testimony with evidence such as documents, checks, phone data, and statements to strengthen their case.
Judge Merchan made a scene towards the conclusion of the trial. He became agitated as he perceived his power being challenged by a witness with ties to Trump. The courtroom briefly emptied as the judge commanded the said individual to step down from the stand. One memorable aspect of the over five-week-long court case was Daniels' testimony, a porn star, who shared explicit details of her alleged sexual encounter with Trump. This disclosure could potentially benefit Trump's prospects for an appeal, says some experts.
Read also:
- Despite the conviction, Donald Trump's election campaign for the November 5th presidential election is ongoing, with him maintaining his innocence and vowing to keep fighting.
- In the trial related to false business records, the public prosecutor's office presented evidence against Trump, including the $130,000 payment made to Porn actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 to suppress information about their alleged affair.
- The trial regarding hush money payments took place in Manhattan, with testimony from over 20 witnesses and a verdict expected on September 15th, potentially impacting Trump's election campaign.
- The verdict, if it leads to imprisonment, could significantly impact Trump's reputation among men and women voters, especially as he faces a competitive election against President Biden.
