Donald Trump was found guilty on all charges in his New York City criminal trial. Here are the key points:
- Trump was convicted of 34 felonies related to hush money payments
- He is the first former U.S. president ever convicted of a crime
- The verdict could impact the 2024 presidential election
Do you want to know more about this historic case? Keep reading!
Trump’s Crimes and Trial
Trump was charged with falsifying business records. The charges related to hush money he paid to two women before the 2016 election.
The women claimed they previously had sexual encounters with Trump. He paid them money to keep quiet and avoid hurting his chances of becoming president.
At his trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Trump tried to hide the true reasons for the payments. He falsely recorded them as being for legal services.
Unprecedented Verdict Against Former President
Trump’s defense team claimed the charges were politically motivated and that he was targeted unfairly.
However, the jury of 12 ordinary citizens disagreed. After deliberating, they found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts.
It is the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been convicted of criminal charges related to their time in office.
Could a Guilty Verdict Impact the 2024 Election?
Some experts think the guilty verdict could impact Trump’s chances if he runs for president again in 2024. However, others believe his core supporters will remain loyal.
Professor Allan Lichtman predicted Trump’s 2016 win using a system that has correctly called every presidential race since 1984. He said:
“Trump cannot win with just his base – he needs to attract swing voters too. And this felony conviction could turn those voters against him.”
However, Trump continues claiming the case was rigged and that American democracy is being weaponized against him.
What’s Next for Trump?
Trump faces additional legal troubles beyond this hush money case, including investigations into:
- His efforts to overturn the 2020 election results
- The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol
- Potential mishandling of classified documents
He has not yet been sentenced for the New York convictions. The charges carry a potential jail sentence, though some experts predict he may only receive probation.
Whether the guilty verdict impacts Trump’s political future remains to be seen. But it is certainly a historic moment for American democracy.
What do you think about Trump’s conviction? Share your thoughts in the comments.
