Former US President Donald Trump Found Guilty in Hush Money Trial in Historic Verdict

In a landmark decision, former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to commit election fraud. This historic verdict, delivered by a New York jury, marks the first time a former US president has been criminally convicted.

The charges against Trump stem from a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors argued that the payment was intended to silence Daniels about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, testified that he facilitated the payment and was later reimbursed by Trump through a series of checks falsely recorded as legal expenses.

The trial, held in the Manhattan Criminal Court, lasted over a month and included testimony from 22 witnesses. Among them was David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, who testified about a 'catch and kill' scheme to suppress negative stories about Trump. Pecker recounted a meeting at Trump Tower in August 2015 where the scheme was discussed with Trump and Cohen.

This historic verdict sets a precedent for holding former presidents accountable for criminal actions, potentially changing the dynamics of American politics. The conviction could impact Trump's bid for the 2024 presidential election and have broader implications for the rule of law in the United States.

Trump's defense team focused on discrediting Cohen, portraying him as a liar seeking fame. They argued that the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and that influencing an election is not illegal. Despite these arguments, the jury unanimously found Trump guilty on all counts after 9.5 hours of deliberation.

Speaking outside the court, Trump called the conviction a 'disgrace' and claimed he is 'a very innocent man.' He described the trial as 'rigged' and accused the judge of being 'conflicted' and unfit to preside over the case. Trump's legal team has already indicated plans to appeal the verdict.

The implications of this conviction are significant, both legally and politically. Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention. The conviction could impact his bid for the 2024 presidential election, although it does not legally bar him from running.

The trial revealed a complex web of financial transactions and efforts to suppress damaging stories, shedding light on the lengths to which Trump and his associates went to influence the 2016 presidential campaign. Legal proceedings continue, and the broader implications for American politics and the rule of law remain to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Donald Trump found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to commit election fraud.
• Guilty verdict stems from $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to silence her about alleged sexual encounter.
• Trump's defense team argued payments were legitimate legal expenses, but jury unanimously found him guilty.
• Conviction sets precedent for holding former presidents accountable for criminal actions.
• Trump to be sentenced on July 11, potentially impacting his 2024 presidential election bid.