Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on Thursday of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star. This makes him the first former president to become a convicted felon. The six-week trial accused Trump of orchestrating an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election. The unanimous verdict from the 12-person jury convicted Trump on all felony counts brought by prosecutors.
Justice Juan Merchan will determine Trump’s sentence, which is scheduled for July 11. Falsifying business records carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, but the judge has the discretion to impose alternative punishments such as home confinement, probation, fines, or community service. Given that Trump has no prior convictions and the nonviolent nature of the crime, it is uncertain whether he will receive any prison time.
Trump and his team reacted quickly to the trial’s outcome, with Trump declaring himself a “political prisoner” in a fundraising email sent after the verdict. He also claimed that the trial was “rigged” and that the “real verdict” would be determined by the people on November 5. Trump is expected to appeal the verdict, a process that could take months or even years.
Despite the historic nature of Trump’s conviction, it is unlikely to drastically alter his prospects in the 2024 presidential race. Recent polls have shown that most Americans view the hush money case as less serious than Trump’s other legal issues. Additionally, Trump has maintained a small lead over President Joe Biden in many swing-state polls throughout the trial. The details of the trial have remained opaque to many voters since it was not televised.
Trump also faces other criminal cases, including allegations of subverting the 2020 election results and hoarding classified documents after leaving office. However, it is unlikely that these cases will go to trial before the upcoming election.
In conclusion, Donald Trump has been found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in a hush money trial. The verdict makes him the first former president to become a convicted felon. The sentencing and potential consequences are yet to be determined, and Trump is expected to appeal the verdict. However, the impact on his political prospects in the 2024 race is likely to be minimal.
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