Former United States President Donald Trump has been found guilty of conspiring to buy the silence of porn actor Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 election and subsequently covering his tracks in business records. This conviction marks the first time a former US president has been convicted of a crime as he campaigns for a second term in office.
The unanimous verdict was delivered just after 5 p.m. local time on Thursday, following nearly two days of deliberation by the jury, which consisted of seven men and five women. The trial, which lasted five weeks, captivated the nation as jurors heard detailed testimonies from prominent figures once close to Trump. They outlined a “catch and kill” scheme aimed at suppressing Daniels’ story of an alleged extramarital encounter with Trump, which she threatened to make public.
Trump, who attended the trial in person four days a week, sat with his eyes closed as the verdict was read by the jury foreman. The former president then shook hands with his son Eric and left the courtroom. Outside, Trump denounced the trial as “rigged” and “disgraceful,” asserting his innocence and vowing to continue his fight. “The real verdict is going to be [on] November 5 by the American people,” he declared.
Alvin Bragg: “Overwhelming Evidence”
Manhattan’s Democratic District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who revived the case after it had been abandoned by his predecessor and federal prosecutors, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “A jury of 12 everyday New Yorkers was presented with overwhelming evidence — including invoices, cheques, bank statements, audio recordings, phone logs, text messages, and direct testimony from 22 witnesses,” Bragg stated. He added that the evidence proved Trump “went to illegal lengths to lie repeatedly in order to protect himself and his campaign.”
The 34 counts on which Trump was convicted each carry a maximum prison sentence of four years. However, as a first-time offender, it is unlikely that Trump will be incarcerated. Bragg declined to comment on whether he would seek a prison sentence.
Political and Legal Ramifications
Despite the conviction, Trump remains a leading candidate for the 2024 presidential election. The verdict does not bar him from running for office, as the US Constitution does not prohibit a convicted criminal from holding the presidency. If re-elected, Trump would be unable to pardon himself for state charges; that power resides with the New York governor.
Trump is also embroiled in three other criminal cases related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and the mishandling of classified documents. These cases are unlikely to go to trial before the November election, allowing Trump to continue his campaign unimpeded by further legal proceedings for the time being
Responses and Reactions
The Biden campaign quickly responded to the verdict. “In New York today, we saw that no one is above the law,” stated Biden-Harris campaign Communications Director Michael Tyler. “Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain. But today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality. There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box.”
A White House spokesperson issued a brief statement: “We respect the rule of law, and have no additional comment.”
Public and Political Impact
Outside the courthouse, the atmosphere was reminiscent of the spontaneous celebrations that erupted across New York City when Trump was defeated in the 2020 election. Later, tensions rose as protesters clashed.
The conviction further muddles the waters in an already turbulent political landscape. Trump’s supporters view him as a martyr, believing the trial to be a politically motivated attack. Conversely, his critics see the verdict as a necessary step towards accountability
Future Implications
This conviction sets a new precedent in American politics. As Trump continues to dominate the Republican primary polls, the nation faces uncharted legal and political territory. The case’s appeal process could extend well beyond the 2024 election, potentially resulting in a scenario where a convicted felon could be elected president.
Regardless of the outcome, this historic verdict will undoubtedly influence the upcoming election and the future of American democracy.
