Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all counts in his unprecedented criminal trial, making history as the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.
Fox News reported that Trump faces a maximum sentence of 136 years in prison for falsifying business records to conceal a payment to Stormy Daniels. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Trump pleaded not guilty to all counts. However, after two days of deliberations, jurors found Trump guilty on every count.
Each count carries a potential prison sentence of 4 years, adding up to a maximum of 136 years. The sentencing is scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m., just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.
Judge Juan Merchan invited the jury into the courtroom to read its verdict, concluding a trial marked by intense public and media interest. Prosecutors had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified records to hide a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed gratitude toward the jurors. He emphasized that their conclusion was reached unanimously, underscoring the integrity of the judicial process. Bragg thanked the jury for their meticulous attention to the evidence and law, stating that "while this defendant may be unlike any other in American history," the case proceeded just like any other prosecution, based on facts and law without "fear or favor."
After the verdict, former President Trump addressed reporters, vehemently criticizing the trial as a "disgrace" and "rigged." He did not hold back, calling out what he claimed was a bias against him, including remarks about a “Soros-backed DA” and a “conflicted judge.” He remains adamant about his innocence, asserting that they "didn't do anything wrong" and labeling himself "a very innocent man."
Trump's campaign website was promptly updated to frame him as "a political prisoner." He is determined to continue his fight, stating, "We'll keep fighting--we'll fight till the end and we'll win because our country's gone to hell." Moreover, he emphasized that the true verdict would come from the people on November 5.
In the closing arguments of the trial, Trump's defense attorneys, led by Blanche, maintained his innocence and criticized the prosecution's evidence. They argued that the burden of proof was unmet and that sending someone to prison should not be based on Michael Cohen's testimony. Blanche described the case as "about documents; it is a paper case."
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass decidedly countered, presenting Trump as the orchestrator of an elaborate concealment scheme. Steinglass noted that "all roads lead inescapably to the man who benefited the most: the defendant." He dismissed the notion that Michael Cohen was handpicked, pointing out that Trump chose Cohen as his "fixer" due to his willingness to lie and cheat on Trump's behalf.
Michael Cohen, formerly Trump's personal attorney and the prosecution’s star witness, celebrated the verdict, calling it a victory for "accountability" and the "rule of law." He expressed his relief, noting the difficult journey he and his family endured for the sake of truth. Cohen shared his celebratory message on social media, proclaiming, "Guilty On All Counts! #TeamCohen."
The Biden campaign reacted sharply, highlighting Trump’s continued threat to democracy. Spokesman Michael Tyler commented on Trump's longstanding belief in his immunity from legal consequences, asserting that whether Trump is a convicted felon or not, the ballot box remains the sole means to prevent his return to the presidency.
District Attorney Bragg reiterated his commitment to justice, emphasizing that his office followed its standard procedures while the defendant might be unusual. He cautioned that "many voices" would offer differing opinions on the trial, but stressed that "the only voice that matters is the voice of the jury."
Trump's guilt extends to 34 counts of falsifying business records, pointing to efforts to hide a substantial payment to Stormy Daniels. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted on all counts after a thorough deliberation. Sentencing is set for July 11, preceding the Republican convention by a few days, and motions in the case must be filed by June 13.
