Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in his hush money trial. The Manhattan jury reached a verdict on Thursday, making Trump the first former American president to be convicted of a felony. The sentencing date is set for July 11.
The charges stem from Trump’s alleged cover-up of a sex scandal during his 2016 presidential campaign. Upon exiting the courtroom, Trump denounced the trial as a “disgrace” and “corrupt,” claiming it was rigged against him. He vowed to continue fighting and win the case, despite the guilty verdict.
Trump also accused the judge, Juan Merchan, of being conflicted and suggested bias in the trial proceedings. Despite his protests, it is unlikely that Trump will face jail time, according to various news outlets.
The jury unanimously agreed that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Throughout the trial, Trump maintained his innocence and denied any affair with Daniels.
During her testimony, Daniels described an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, highlighting the power dynamics at play. Trump’s defense attorney challenged Daniels’ credibility, but she stood by her account, emphasizing the authenticity of her experience.
The high-profile trial has captured national attention, with many closely following the developments and implications for Trump’s future. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of the case will have significant ramifications for the former president and his political aspirations.