Trump Found Guilty on 34 Felony Counts in Hush Money Trial
WASHINGTON — Jurors in New York state court found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn star, aimed at influencing the 2016 presidential election. The historic verdict was delivered Thursday, marking an unprecedented moment in American history as a former president is convicted of felonies.
The trial concluded in Manhattan Criminal Court, where Trump, the Republican Party’s presumed 2024 presidential nominee, faced charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The charges stem from Trump’s efforts to conceal payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels through his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. Cohen testified that he wired $130,000 to Daniels just days before the 2016 election to silence her about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.
Jurors deliberated for more than 11 hours before reaching their decision, delivering the verdict to Justice Juan Merchan on Thursday evening.
Trump now faces penalties ranging from probation to four years in prison for
each count of falsifying business records. Sentencing is set for July 11, just
days before the Republican National Convention.
Following the verdict, Trump addressed the media outside the courtroom, decrying the trial as a “rigged, disgraceful” process and reiterating his unfounded claims that the case was politically motivated by the Biden administration. Trump’s remarks, live-streamed on C-SPAN, also included criticisms of Justice Merchan and references to immigration issues.
Despite his conviction, Trump retains the right to vote in the upcoming election, provided he is not incarcerated, due to Florida’s voting laws for convicted felons.
Republicans in Congress quickly condemned the verdict. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “shameful day in American history,” while other GOP officials, including Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Jim Jordan, denounced the trial as politically motivated and unjust.
Democrats, however, praised the jury’s decision. Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse emphasized that no one is above the law. President Joe
Biden’s campaign spokesman, Michael Tyler, highlighted the verdict as a
reminder of Trump’s ongoing threat to democracy and urged voters to reject him
at the ballot box.
Trump continues to face additional legal challenges, including federal charges for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and mishandling of classified documents, as well as a state case in Georgia on racketeering and conspiracy charges.
The guilty verdict in this case underscores the legal peril Trump faces as he seeks to return to the White House, casting a shadow over his political future and the 2024 presidential race.
