In a groundbreaking event, Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted of a crime. A New York jury found him guilty on all charges related to his hush-money case, marking an unprecedented moment in American history. This conviction comes just months before an election where Trump aims to reclaim the White House.The jury found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges stem from payments made to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels about an alleged affair. Each count could theoretically lead to four years in prison, but experts believe Trump is more likely to receive probation.A felon at 77Trump, now 77, was released without bail but has entered the record books as a felon. This is a startling first for a nation that often considers its presidents among the most powerful people globally. Despite his conviction, Trump remains undeterred in his bid to unseat President Joe Biden in the upcoming election, even if he ends up in prison.Heres what he said:🚨🚨BREAKING: Donald Trump reacts to the Manhattan jurys guilty verdict:The real verdict will be November 5th by the people.The whole country is being rigged right now. This is being done by the Biden Administration in order to hurt or wound a political opponent.Well… pic.twitter.com/fhsRrnd1zE— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) May 30, 2024Trumps defianceTrump immediately expressed his defiance, proclaiming his innocence to reporters. He labeled the trial rigged and a disgrace, insisting that the real verdict would come from the voters. Meanwhile, Bidens campaign emphasized that the trial showed no one is above the law and highlighted the ongoing threat Trump poses to democracy.Political implicationsJudge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trumps sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention where Trump is expected to secure the partys nomination. The 12-member jury deliberated for over 11 hours across two days before reaching their unanimous decision. Judge Merchan praised the jurors for their effort, noting the secrecy maintained about their identities due to the sensitive nature of the case.Other legal battlesTrump faces additional federal and state charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and for hoarding classified documents after leaving office. However, these trials are not expected to commence before the presidential election.What is Hush money caseThe conviction relates to Trump falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. This payment was made just before the 2016 election to prevent Daniels claim of an affair from damaging his campaign against Hillary Clinton. The trial included detailed testimony from Daniels, who recounted her alleged 2006 encounter with Trump.Prosecutors argued that the hush money and the cover-up were part of a broader scheme to keep voters in the dark about Trumps actions. Michael Cohen, a key witness and former aide who turned against Trump, celebrated the verdict as a significant day for accountability and the rule of law. Trump, denying the affair, did not testify in his defense, with his lawyers arguing the payments were legal.Campaign amidst chaosThe trial has undoubtedly impacted Trumps campaign. Yet, he has used the media attention to his advantage. Shortly after the verdict, his campaign released a fundraising appeal titled I am a political prisoner! Trump also announced plans to make a public statement to journalistsWhats nextGiven that Trump is a first-time convict, he is most likely to receive probation rather than prison time. An appeal is almost certain but could take months to resolve. If Trump were to win the presidency again, he could not pardon himself from this state conviction only the governor of New York has that power.
