Washington: In a landmark decision, former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts in the hush money trial, marking a major setback for the former leader. The conviction was delivered by a 12-member Manhattan jury after a two-day hearing.
According to CNN, Trump was found guilty of manipulating business records in connection with hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, with Judge Juan Merchan presiding over the proceedings.
Trump Reacts: “Humiliating Verdict”
Donald Trump expressed his dismay at the conviction, calling it a humiliating experience. He maintained that the “real verdict” will be rendered by the American people in the upcoming presidential election on November 5, 2024.
A Historic First: Presidential Conviction
This case marks an unprecedented moment in American history, being the first time a former or sitting president has been convicted in a criminal trial. The charges stem from allegations that Trump paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 in hush money to keep quiet about an alleged affair that took place in 2006, just before the 2016 presidential election. Trump was accused of falsifying business records to conceal the payment, leading to the 34 charges on which he has now been convicted.
The Details of the Case
The origins of the case trace back to a 2006 encounter between Trump and Stormy Daniels. As the 2016 presidential election approached, Daniels threatened to disclose the affair, prompting Trump to pay her $130,000 in exchange for her silence. This payment was allegedly disguised through manipulated business records, forming the basis of the charges against Trump.
Daniels testified in court that Trump had once asked her if she had been tested for STDs, adding another layer of controversy to the case. The jury’s conviction on all counts signifies a significant blow to Trump’s legal standing and political aspirations.
Looking Ahead
As Trump awaits his sentencing on July 11, 2024, the political landscape braces for the impact of this historic verdict. The implications for his potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election remain uncertain, but the conviction undeniably casts a long shadow over his campaign.
This case sets a precedent and underscores the accountability mechanisms within the US legal system, even for those who have held the highest office in the land. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of Donald Trump and the broader political environment in the United States.
