A New York jury has found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This historic conviction marks the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted of a crime. The charges relate to falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of the 2016 presidential election. Trump will be sentenced on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention. The penalties he faces range from fines to up to four years in prison for each count12.
Trump’s reaction was intense. He called the trial a “disgrace” and accused the judge of being corrupt. As the jury foreperson read the word “guilty” for each count, Trump looked down with narrowed eyes. The jury deliberated for 9.5 hours before reaching their verdict. Despite the conviction, Trump’s attorney maintained his innocence, arguing that the payments to Cohen were legitimate. Prosecutors, however, contended that the payment was part of a coordinated conspiracy to influence the 2016 election2.
This momentous verdict has significant implications, as it does not disqualify Trump from running for president again. An appeal is likely, but for now, the former president stands as a convicted felon.
Sentencing date is July 11, four days before Republican convention.
A Manhattan jury found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his New York hush money criminal trial. Judge Juan Merchan set a sentencing hearing for July 11.