New York's hush-money case on trial. - "The media declares that his guilt has been proven in Trump's sentencing"
Donald Trump isn't just guilty, he's 34-times guilty, according to the jury members in the New York hush money trial. This verdict came out on Thursday. Trump, the 77-year-old former president and potential Republican candidate for the White House, doesn't see it that way. He described himself as "really innocent" after the verdict.
It's highly unlikely that Trump will end up in prison. If Judge Juan Merchant sentenced Trump to jail in July, most people still believe he won't serve time.
This verdict has significant historical implications, both in the United States and worldwide. The media's opinions:
New York Trial Verdict: "The False Case for the False Crime Was Justly Convicted"
"New York Times": "The jury's decision and the information presented at the trial are yet more clear evidence of why Donald Trump is unfit for office. (...) Trump tried to subvert elections and the legal system - two fundamental components of US democracy - when he believed they wouldn't produce the desired outcome. So far, they've been robust enough to withstand his attacks. The jury has delivered their verdict, just like voters will in November. If the Republic is to survive, we all, including Trump, must uphold both, regardless of the result."
"Washington Post": The importance of this dirty episode lies in the fact that twelve of Trump's fellow Americans have judged a wealthy former president. This is a clear indication that the privileged members of society are subject to the same basic legal processes as other Americans.
In a way, Trump is right: His final reckoning - the final judgment on him - could come through another channel, specifically at the ballot box. And it won't be a twelve-person jury, but a voter base of millions that will decide.
"Wall Street Journal": We have no doubt about the sincerity of the Manhattan jurors, but many voters will interpret all this and eventually conclude that Trump is a crook, but this verdict doesn't prevent him from a second term in the White House. Judge Juan Merchan tolerated District Attorney Alvin Bragg's legal creativity in a way an appellate court might not. What if Trump loses the election and wins on appeal? If the Democrats believe that too many Republicans are complaining about stolen elections this year, imagine how many there will be next year.
"The Atlantic": "The false case for the false crime was justly convicted. (...) It's depressing that the American legal system can't handle a coup effectively. But it's also hopeful and optimistic that even an ex-president must be tried in a state court for ordinary crimes in accordance with the law in which he lived and conducted business."
"Newsweek": "Trump's conviction is something to be proud of, as it confirms a fundamental American value: No one in this country is above the law. Trump has often felt that the rules that apply to regular people don't apply to him. (...) The hush money scheme and its connection to campaign events was a shady way to start the legal prosecution of a former president. At the center was an accounting question. Not uncharged campaign and tax violations. Nothing funny. It's not the kind of dramatic political event needed to put a president in prison."
CNN: "This verdict may temporarily damage Trump's approval rating. But by November, it will probably be all but forgotten. Or possibly even better, it could be used by Republicans as proof that the 'elites' tried to silence Trump with ridiculous claims."
"Fox News": "The Democrats may be disappointed now that they have finally found something on Trump after years of trying. But their desperation to 'get Trump' backfired. (...) Voters don't have to agree with Trump to support him. They just have to believe in a fair legal system."
"Los Angeles Times": "They finally got him. (...) There's consensus in my circle that this will backfire majorly, as Republicans are under pressure. Even the leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, who isn't a Trump fan, tweeted: 'This indictment shouldn't even have been brought in the first place. I expect the conviction to be overturned on appeal.'"
"The Verdict Could Be the Drop That Makes the Bucket Overflow"
"As Today" (USA): "While some of the remarks against Trump in "La Repubblica" are undeniably true, the focus on him and the idea of him going to the White House as a convict may be overexaggerated. (...) The real issue here is not so much the verdict itself, but the repercussions it may have on his political future. (...) With a possible loss of moderate voters in the coming election against Joe Biden, Trump could be stepping into dangerous territory. (...) This crime-related verdict might just be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back and defeats his chances of re-election. (...) Santa Tecla pointed out, "the members of his base will remain loyal regardless," but it'll be a lot more challenging for him to win over those who aren't fully convinced of his moral standing in a critical situation like this. (...) It's worth noting, though, that this case may have scarce impact compared to the others - there's one involving misuse of classified documents and two more for messing with the 2020 elections. However, the standout element in all this is how it's upsetting Trump, rallying his followers, and empowering the Republican party members who believe this entire process was politically biased."
Read also:
Despite the New York jury finding Donald Trump guilty in the hush money process case, the 77-year-old former president and potential Republican candidate for the White House remains adamant about his innocence. Despite the jury's decision, many Republicans, including Senator Mitch McConnell, believe the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
Following Donald Trump's conviction in the New York hush money trial, there have been calls for a reevaluation of his potential bid for the Republican nomination in 2024. However, some experts argue that this conviction may not significantly impact his base of supporters, making a comeback in the party's primaries possible.
