New York Court Finds Donald Trump Guilty in 'Hush Money' Case

A jury in a New York court found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 charges related to the payment of 'hush money' to a porn star. The 12-member jury in Manhattan deliberated for two days before reaching their verdict. Trump was present in court when the jury's decision was read. Following the announcement, Trump told reporters, 'This [jury's verdict] was a disgrace. This was a fake trial by a hostile and corrupt judge.' The former president emphasized, 'The real verdict will be issued by the people on November 5.' This refers to the upcoming presidential election in the United States on November 5, 2024. Judge Juan Merchan set the sentencing date for July 11, just three days before the Republican Party's final meeting to officially announce Trump's candidacy for the presidential election. The main issue in this trial is the indictment by the New York District Attorney, accusing Trump of paying $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, a porn star, shortly before the 2016 presidential election to prevent the disclosure of their sexual relationship. If convicted in the 'hush money' case, what will happen? Trump is charged with 34 counts of felony for manipulating and falsifying business records, which the prosecution claims was aimed at concealing the hush money payment. American constitutional law experts believe that a conviction would not disqualify Trump from running for president or holding office if he wins. With the jury's verdict, Trump becomes the 'first guilty president' in a criminal court in U.S. history. Meanwhile, Todd Blanche, Trump's attorney in the 'hush money' case, emphasized that his client will appeal the verdict. Blanche stated in an interview with CNN that Trump's defense team has taken necessary actions following the jury's verdict and 'if these actions are unsuccessful, we will file an appeal as soon as we can.' He explained that the judicial process in New York requires a ruling to be issued before an appeal can be made. On the other hand, Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney, stated shortly after the jury's verdict that the jury's decision is 'a cornerstone of our judicial system.' Bragg noted, 'Despite the fact that the defendant in this case was unlike any other defendant in American history, we pursued this case like any other case brought before the court.' The Manhattan District Attorney added, 'This was done by following the facts and the law, without fear or bias.' Reactions to the jury's verdict came swiftly. Joe Biden's campaign team issued a statement just minutes after the verdict, asserting that 'no one is above the law.' The statement emphasized, 'Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed that he would never face the consequences of breaking the law for personal gain.' Meanwhile, Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House, reacted to the jury's verdict by stating, 'Today is a shameful day in American history.' Johnson added, 'Democrats are celebrating that the leader of the rival party has been convicted on ridiculous charges. This was not a legal process but a political game.' The Speaker of the House asserted, 'Trump will rightly appeal this hollow ruling, and he will prevail.' John Bolton, a national security advisor in the Trump administration, also reacted to the jury's verdict, stating, 'This is the last opportunity for the Republican Party to change its course and not nominate a convicted felon as a presidential candidate.'