Former President Donald Trump convicted in historic hush-money trial

New York.- In a landmark legal decision, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty in a criminal hush-money trial, marking the first time a past or sitting U.S. president has been convicted of a crime. The verdict is expected to have significant implications for the 2024 election campaign.

A New York City jury delivered the verdict on Thursday, concluding a seven-week trial by finding Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges stem from a hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors argued that the payment was intended to silence Daniels and improve Trump’s electoral prospects.

Despite pleading not guilty, Trump now faces potential prison time, with each felony count carrying a possible sentence of up to four years. However, legal experts suggest that probation or community service is more likely than incarceration.

Trial and verdict

Prosecutors presented testimony from nearly two dozen witnesses over the course of the trial. After closing arguments concluded on Tuesday, the jury deliberated for two days before reaching their decision.

The charges against Trump included 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents related to the hush-money payment. The prosecution maintained that Trump attempted to cover up the payment to influence the 2016 election outcome.

Following the verdict, defense lawyer Todd Blanche requested a sentencing date of July 11. He also motioned for Judge Juan Merchan to dismiss the verdict, a request that was promptly denied.

Outside the courthouse, Trump addressed reporters briefly, denouncing the trial as “rigged” and predicting that the “real verdict” would come from the voters in the upcoming election. He hinted at an appeal, asserting his innocence and vowing to “fight for our constitution.”

Political implications

The trial’s conclusion drew strong reactions from both supporters and detractors. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the verdict, describing it as a “shameful day in American history.” He questioned the credibility of key witness Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who had been disbarred and convicted in connection with the same hush-money scheme.

Conversely, members of the Biden campaign used the verdict to emphasize the principle that “no one is above the law.” Michael Tyler, the campaign’s communications director, stated that the trial underscored the importance of the upcoming election in preventing Trump from returning to the Oval Office.

Melanie Sloan, a former prosecutor and government ethics expert, suggested that the conviction could alienate moderate voters who previously supported Trump. She emphasized that the trial was conducted in state court, independent of any influence from the Biden administration.

Future prospects

The New York case is one of several legal challenges facing Trump, but it is expected to be the only one to reach trial before the November election. The verdict has intensified the political landscape, with both parties using the outcome to galvanize their bases.

Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., reacted to the conviction by portraying it as evidence of America’s decline, urging voters to support his father in the upcoming election.

As the sentencing date approaches, the political ramifications of this historic trial continue to unfold, potentially reshaping the landscape of the 2024 presidential race.