Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by a New York jury, making history as the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime in an unprecedented verdict.
Making history, Trump is the only US president – either past or present – to have been formally accused and found guilty of a crime. The prosecution brought forth almost 20 witnesses during trial proceedings, which concluded with closing statements on Tuesday; after two days of deliberation, the jury delivered their verdict.
Following over nine hours of deliberation starting from Wednesday, the jury pronounced its significant judgment. Trump is due for sentencing on July 11 and could be subjected to penalties varying between fines and four years imprisonment per charge; however, it’s anticipated that he will serve concurrent sentences.
Trump immediately expressed his outrage to reporters after the verdict, stating that “this trial was rigged by a biased and corrupted judge, which is an utter disgrace.”
In the Manhattan courtroom where Trump had been on trial since April 15 for charges connected to a secret payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, it was announced that a verdict had been reached. Despite his not-guilty plea, Trump furrowed his eyebrows and concentrated intensely as each count was declared “guilty” by the jury foreperson.
As the trial ended, Todd Blanche – who was representing the defense team – attempted a final maneuver in which he argued for an annulment of the verdict. The basis of his argument rested on alleged issues with key testimonies given by Trump’s ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Judge Juan Merchan commended the jurors for their commitment by saying, “Your diligent approach towards this case is highly appreciated, and I express my gratitude to you.” Trump seemed displeased and wore a scowl when the jurors made their way out of the courtroom.
Blanche informed Judge Merchan that they were requesting a judgment of acquittal, as the jury couldn’t have come to a verdict without accepting Michael Cohen’s testimony and there was no foundation for it. However, the motion was denied swiftly by the judge who then thanked the jurors and concluded the trial. “The court extends its appreciation to you and dismisses you,” Merchan expressed his gratitude to all 12 jury members.
Of the four criminal indictments currently against Trump, the New York case just settled is poised to be singular in proceeding to trial prior to November’s election.
Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney, refrained from commenting on possible sentencing and expressed that his office would address it during court proceedings. According to him, they reached this verdict for the defendant’s case by adhering to facts and laws like every other trial. Despite facing intimidation tactics from Trump supporters, he claimed confidently “I did my job,” affirming that their team fulfilled its responsibilities effectively.
The Republican frontrunner, Trump, wasted no time utilizing the conviction as a means of fundraising for the upcoming election. He repositioned himself on his website as a “political prisoner” and called for donations.
It has been suggested by legal analysts that even if Trump is given a prison sentence, he may still be able to take part in the July convention through an appeal process. Chuck Rosenberg, who was previously a U.S. attorney, believes that despite any conviction, it would not prevent Trump from running or winning the presidency.
Michael Tyler, the communications director for Biden’s campaign, acknowledged the verdict and stressed that “no one is above the law” in New York. He also emphasized how crucial it is to defeat Trump in November.
During his closing argument, Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass emphasized the importance of the equal application of the law by restating that there is no exceptional standard for this particular defendant.
Testimony from vital figures such as Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, alongside ex-White House employees and Trump Organization executives, was presented during the trial. Although he originally planned to testify, Trump abstained from taking the stand. Robert Costello – a primary witness called by Trump’s defense team – faced criticism for his behaviour whilst testifying -.
Cohen’s testimony, corroborated by written proof, played a crucial role in confirming Trump’s participation in the payment plan. Despite Blanche endeavouring to undermine Cohen’s credibility, the jury ultimately upheld the prosecution.
Although Trump maintained that the accusations against him were driven by politics, his appearances in court transformed into a political event where prominent Republicans showed their support and he took breaks to speak with his supporters.
For violating a gag order, Trump was fined $10,000 by Judge Merchan and cautioned of the possibility of imprisonment for future violations.
On social media, Michael Cohen conveyed his relief about the verdict and stressed how crucial it is to uphold accountability and truth.
After a long investigation carried out by DA Bragg and his predecessor, Cyrus Vance, Trump was convicted. Despite facing further charges in three separate cases, he maintains denial of all allegations. However, none of the cases are anticipated to be presented at trial prior to the presidential election.
Three factors contributed to the ex-president’s conviction.
1. The secret recording
“So, what do we got to pay for this? 150?”
In a chat with his attorney, Michael Cohen, Donald Trump is heard saying something while he was unaware he was being taped.
The $150,000 (£117,000) in hush money given to Playboy model Karen McDougal, who said she had an affair with Trump for ten months (a charge he refuted), was the subject of his remarks.
The payment and Trump’s remarks about it contributed to the establishment of the hush money scam and Trump’s role in it.
2. The president and the porn star
The jury was shown by Stormy Daniels’ meticulous, sometimes agonizing evidence why Donald Trump would have tried to suppress her testimony.
They got together for a picture during a celebrity golf event in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in 2006. Trump disputes that he ever invited her to have sex in his hotel suite.
When she emerged from the restroom, he was just wearing a T-shirt and boxer shorts, and they had sex. She gave him a spank “on the butt” spanking with a rolled-up magazine.
As they were leaving, he remarked to her: “It was great. Let’s get together again, honey bunch.”
3. David Pecker
The former National Enquirer magazine publisher talked about his “catch and kill” plan, which involved purchasing unfavourable reports about Donald Trump and burying them.
He pledged to be Trump’s “eyes and ears” at a 2015 meeting, and he followed through on his promise by paying $150,000 to silence McDougal.
In his testimony, Mr. Packer disclosed Trump’s firsthand awareness of and participation in a hush money scam.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent
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