Jury deems Trump culpable in all aspects.

Equity is served as [name] receives legal resolution. - Trump convicted on all charges by jury members.

In the landmark trial concerning the hidden distribution of hush money to an adult film actress, a jury in New York has determined former American President Donald Trump culpable for all charges. This development was shared by the jury itself. This is the first instance in American history that an ex-president has been found guilty of a crime. Trump, exhibiting a composed demeanor in the courtroom as evening approached, accepted the decision indifferently and with a cold countenance. Outside the courtroom, he labelled the verdict "disgraceful". The judge has scheduled the sentencing announcement for July 11. Trump may face a multi-year prison sentence, which may be deferred, or a monetary penalty. The Republican has the option to appeal - and even if the conviction is deemed legal, he can seek office in the coming presidential election.

The prosecution had charged Trump with an attempt to boost his possible victory in the 2016 presidential race by giving $130,000 in hush money to adult performer Stormy Daniels and subsequently surreptitiously recording the transaction. The panel of seven men and five women heard testimony and witness statements from over 20 individuals since mid-April, with their deliberations commencing on Wednesday.

Although the payment itself was not illegal, Trump is accused of fabricating documentation during the reimbursement process to Sketo Michael Cohen to hide the genuine purpose of the exchange. This could result in a guilty verdict in 34 instances of illegal campaign funding. Trump's counselors had insisted that they were merely discussing typical lawyer fees.

The verdict might also play a role in the ongoing US election campaign - the degree of its influence and its beneficiaries are under consideration. Trump aims to exploit the case to his advantage, depicting himself as a victim of politically motivated justice. The first criminal conviction of a past American president might be perceived as a disgrace by many citizens. Trump declared mere minutes after the verdict that the real decision would come on Election Day.

Current President Joe Biden, seeking re-election in November, has not yet observed significant advantages from the proceedings against Trump. The most recent surveys imply that the decision will not alter the voting preferences for many individuals. Nonetheless, the sentence could have an impact, especially in the unlikely event of a prison term.

The trial was conducted under unprecedented media attention and tight security measures in downtown Manhattan. US media followed the event as if it were a significant sports event and reported from the courtroom, where recording was prohibited. Trump regularly appeared at the hearings, varying only the color of his tie from day to day.

For the brief photo opportunity at the starting of each session, Trump frequently donned a serious expression. Some witness interrogations appeared to intrigue Trump, while on other days, media outlets were confident that he had his eyes shut for extended intervals because he was bored. He used the procedure and the media frenzy to his advantage for his campaign and often angrily railed outside the courtroom 3:30 about what he saw as politically motivated proceedings. Additionally, Trump transformed the process into a loyalty test for his Republican contingent. Besides the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, potential Vice Presidents like Senator J.D. Vance and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy also came. Trump's children Eric, Donald Jr., and Tiffany were present, but the absence of daughter Ivanka was notable, particularly as Melania Trump's public support was withheld.

"Conspiracy" at Trump Tower

The indictment disclosed that this case, which supposedly revolved around doctored invoices and checks, was a "conspiracy" to illegally manipulate the 2016 US presidential election. Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen and a tabloid publisher, David Pecker, were purportedly tasked at a meeting with the potential candidate to investigate damaging hearsay about Trump's alleged extramarital affairs - and suppress press coverage on the subject. This was intended to enhance his electoral prospects.

Upon the Trump Tower meeting, funds were allocated for the rights to several stories about Trump's alleged extramarital relations. Furthermore, there was a hush money payment to Daniels. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass argued that this "plot" "definitely could have affected President Trump being elected".

Liar as key witness - Porn star with revelations

Trump's law team maintained his innocence and questioned the narrative of the prosecution. In doing so, they focused on the credibility of essential witness Cohen, who was simultaneously the biggest flaw in the prosecution's case - due to his long history of promoting falsehoods and false statements. Trump attorney Todd Blanche labeled Cohen "the biggest liar of all time" in her closing argument. In contrast, the prosecution endeavored to support the credibility of its chief witness with documents, checks, phone records, or additional statements.

Following the trial, Judge Merchan created a stir: He lost his composure when he felt his power being undermined by a Trump-supporting witness. Merchan ordered the hall to be evacuated and threatened to remove the man from the witness stand. Another notable moment of the approximately six-week-long trial was the testifying of adult film star Daniels herself, who narrated the supposed intercourse with Trump - which did not bolster his case and could potentially strengthen the chance of an appeal.