Historic Conviction
Donald Trump has become the first former US president to be convicted of a crime. A New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush-money case, just a few months before the next presidential election.
Details of the Case
Trump has been charged with 34 counts of manipulation of business records. These charges were related to payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about the affairs. Each count could result in a four-year prison sentence but Trump is more likely to get probation. The 77-year-old was released without bail and is now officially a felon.
Impact on Trump’s Political Future
Despite Trump’s conviction, he can still run for president again. He declared himself as a very innocent man and called the trial “rigged” and a “disgrace.” President Joe Biden’s campaign responded by saying “No one is above the law” and highlighted how Trump can pose serious threats to democracy.
Sentencing and Jury Deliberation
Judge Juan Merchan has set Trump’s sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention. The 12-member jury debated for over 11 hours before reaching their unanimous decision.
Additional Charges Trump Faces
Trump is also dealing with other federal and state charges. He is also accused of trying to reverse the 2020 election results and has kept secret documents after leaving the White House. However, these trials will not start before the presidential election.
The Hush Money Case
Trump was found guilty of manipulating the business records to pay back his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. This payment was made just before the 2016 election to keep Daniels from revealing her sexual encounter with Trump.
Key Witnesses and Testimonies
Adult performer Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, testified about her alleged 2006 encounter with Trump. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and the key witness, called the verdict “an important day for accountability and the rule of law.” Trump denied any sexual encounter with Daniels and did not testify in his defence.
Political Ramifications
The trial has impacted Trump’s campaign to unseat Biden, though he has used the media attention to his advantage. His campaign released a fundraising appeal titled “I am a political prisoner!” and he announced plans to make a public statement. Political analyst Keith Gaddie noted that while the conviction may not change many votes, it could influence close races.
Possible Outcomes and Appeals
As a first-time convict, Trump is likely to face probation rather than prison time. An appeal is expected, but it could take months to resolve. If Trump wins the presidency, he cannot pardon himself since the case was brought by the state of New York, not the federal government. Only the governor of New York could clear his name.
-Prisha Jaiswal