Trump is convicted on 34 counts in his criminal trial in New York

Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts in his criminal trial in New York.

Donald Trump Found Guilty on All Counts in Historic Criminal Trial. Former President Donald Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts in Connection to Hush Money Payment

 

NEW YORK -- In an unprecedented legal decision, a jury in New York City has found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This verdict marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been convicted of a crime.

 

Details of the Case

Trump was charged with falsifying business records in connection to a payment made by his then-attorney Michael Cohen to Stormy Daniels. The payment was intended to suppress her allegations of an affair with Trump in order to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges in April 2023, but the jury found him guilty on all counts.

 

Impact on the 2024 Presidential Election

With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, Trump's conviction raises significant questions about his political future. According to FiveThirtyEight, while Trump may initially lose some support, the impact might be temporary as his base has shown resilience to past scandals. Nonetheless, this conviction could prove to be a substantial hurdle in his campaign efforts.

 

Rep. Adam Schiff, who led the first impeachment trial against Trump, responded to the verdict by emphasizing the importance of the rule of law. "This is an affirmation that the rule of law works," Schiff said. "That it can be applied to everyone, including a former president."

 

Donald Trump Jr.

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., vehemently defended his father, attributing the guilty verdict to political maneuvering by the Democrats. "The Democrats have succeeded in their years-long attempt to turn America into a third-world s---hole," Trump Jr. said. He also pointed to the upcoming presidential election, stating, "Nov. 5 is our last chance to save it."

 

Trump's Next Move

Trump announced via his Truth Social media account that he would hold a press conference at 11 a.m. on Friday at the atrium of Trump Tower. This appearance will likely address his conviction and outline his response moving forward.

 

Voting Rights Post-Conviction

A notable aspect of Trump's situation is his voting rights. Despite being a convicted felon, Trump can still vote as long as he is not incarcerated in New York. Florida, where Trump resides, defers to the disenfranchisement rules of the state where the felony conviction occurred. New York law allows convicted felons to vote once they are out of prison, regardless of parole status.

 

Conclusion

The conviction of former President Donald Trump on felony charges marks a significant moment in American legal and political history. As Trump and his supporters navigate this new reality, the ramifications of this verdict will undoubtedly influence the political landscape leading up to the 2024 presidential election. The nation now waits to see how this development will shape the future of one of its most controversial figures.