In a groundbreaking turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts in a historic hush-money trial.
This verdict, delivered by a New York jury, marks Trump as the first former president to be convicted of a crime.
DONALD TRUMP FOUND GUILTY
The trial’s outcome was just months before the 2024 election. It is set to send ripples through the political landscape.
The trial, which lasted seven weeks, revolved around allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The payment was made during the 2016 presidential campaign to improve his election chances.
Despite Trump pleading not guilty, the jury found him guilty on all counts, according to Aljazeera.
Prosecutors presented testimony from nearly two dozen witnesses.
Their argument was clear: Trump attempted to manipulate the election by hiding the payment.
DONALD TRUMP VS THE JURY
The jury deliberated for two days before reaching their unanimous decision.
This verdict could lead to a prison sentence of up to four years for each count.
Experts suggest Trump may face probation or community service instead.
Following the verdict, Trump addressed reporters outside the courtroom, according to The Guardian.
“This was a rigged, disgraceful trial,” he declared.
“The real verdict is going to be 5 November, by the people. And they know what happened here.”
He also hinted at an appeal, insisting he is “a very innocent man” and vowing to “fight for our constitution.”
DONALD TRUMP’S DEFENSE
Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense.
Moments before the jury’s decision, Judge Juan Merchan seemed ready to end the day’s session.
However, at 4:20 PM, a note from the jury indicated they had reached a verdict.
Silence fell over the room as the verdict was read, with Trump appearing emotionless, his eyes downcast.
Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, made a last-minute attempt to nullify the verdict.
Todd argued that key testimony from Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, was flawed.
Judge Merchan swiftly denied this motion, thanking the jury for their service.
POLARISING REACTION
The reaction to the verdict has been polarising.
Republicans rallied to Trump’s defence, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling it “a shameful day in American history.”
He criticised the trial, labelling it a “political exercise.”
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, echoed this sentiment, urging voters to support his father in November.
Conversely, members of the Biden campaign highlighted the importance of the verdict.
“In New York today, we saw that no one is above the law,” stated campaign communications director Michael Tyler.
Former prosecutor and ethics expert Melanie Sloan noted the potential political fallout.
“This is a political problem,” she said.
IMPACTING THE STOCK MARKET
“There are Americans who might tolerate a lot from Donald Trump, but a jury conviction might be too much for independent voters.”
The verdict also impacted the stock market, according to the Financial Times.
Shares in Trump Media & Technology Group, where Trump is the majority stakeholder, dropped by 14 per cent.
Michael Cohen, whose testimony was crucial, expressed satisfaction on social media, stating, “The truth always matters.”
FACTS AND THE LAW
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised the jury’s work.
“The 12 everyday jurors vowed to make a decision based on the evidence and the law – and the evidence and the law alone,” he said.
Bragg emphasised the integrity of the trial, asserting, “We arrived at this trial – and ultimately today at this verdict – by following the facts and the law.”
This conviction, amidst Donald Trump’s bid for re-election, adds a dramatic twist to the 2024 race.
As both sides gear up for the political battle ahead, one thing is certain: this historic verdict will be a defining moment in US politics.
