New York, NY (WNEWS) — Former President Donald Trump was found guilty by a #Manhattan jury on Thursday on all 34 felony counts in a landmark trial concerning hush money payments. This historic verdict makes Trump the first U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes, capping a dramatic legal battle that has drawn national attention.
The case centered on payments made in 2016 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent her from going public with claims of an affair with Trump that allegedly took place in 2006. Prosecutors argued that Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, facilitated a $130,000 payment, which was subsequently reimbursed by Trump and falsely recorded as legal expenses to hide its true purpose.
Details of the Trial and Verdict
The jury deliberated for 9.5 hours over two days before delivering their verdict late Thursday afternoon. Trump, who has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing, now faces the possibility of up to four years in prison. Sentencing is set for July 11, 2024, just days before the Republican National Convention, where Trump is the leading candidate for the party’s presidential nomination. Trump is expected to appeal this conviction.
Background on Trump’s Legal Troubles
Donald Trump’s conviction in the hush money trial is the culmination of a series of legal battles that have plagued him since his presidency. This case is the first of four major indictments he faces, each bringing its own set of legal challenges and potential consequences.
- Russia Investigation: Trump was investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller regarding allegations of collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign and obstruction of justice. Although the Mueller Report did not establish collusion, it outlined multiple instances where Trump may have obstructed justice .
- Impeachments: Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives. The first impeachment in 2019 was related to abuse of power and obstruction of Congress over his dealings with Ukraine. The second, in 2021, followed the January 6 Capitol riot, where he was charged with incitement of insurrection. He was acquitted in the Senate both times.
- New York Attorney General’s Investigation: In a separate civil case, New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused the Trump Organization of fraudulently inflating the value of assets on financial statements to obtain loans and tax benefits. This investigation could lead to significant financial penalties and operational restrictions on Trump’s business empire. Trump is currently appealing that ruling
- Georgia Election Interference: Trump is also under investigation in Georgia for attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. This includes a recorded phone call where he urged Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to reverse Joe Biden’s victory in the state.
Implications for the Future
The guilty verdict in the hush money trial represents a significant legal and political moment. As Donald Trump prepares for a potential 2024 presidential run, the conviction and pending sentencing could influence public perception and voter behavior. The case’s outcome will test the resilience of Trump’s support base and the broader implications for American political and legal systems.
With his sentencing scheduled for July 11, the nation will closely watch how this legal saga unfolds and impacts the upcoming presidential election.
This development underscores the complex legal landscape Trump faces and the ongoing scrutiny of his actions during and after his presidency. The legal outcomes of these cases will shape the historical legacy of Trump and potentially redefine legal precedents for future officeholders.
This is part of WNews’s Special Coverage of US Votes 2024. For the latest information, visit our website at https://w.news/us-votes
