In an unprecedented legal development, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty and convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his historic criminal trial in New York. This landmark conviction marks the first time in U.S. history that a former or serving president has been found guilty of a crime.
The verdict was delivered after the jury, comprising 12 members, deliberated for two days. The trial, which spanned six weeks, featured testimonies from 22 witnesses, including Stormy Daniels, the former adult film star whose alleged sexual encounter with Trump was central to the case. Trump was accused of concealing a payment made by his former lawyer to secure Daniels’ silence shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
Trump, who is currently campaigning to unseat President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election, has vehemently denounced the verdict. Labeling the outcome a “disgrace,” Trump has specifically targeted Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial.
The sentencing is scheduled for July 11, where Trump could potentially face prison time, although legal experts suggest a fine is a more likely consequence.
One of Trump’s top lawyers, Will Scharf, revealed to Fox News that the legal team is “considering all options” for an appeal, emphasizing that “every aspect of this case is ripe for appeal.” Todd Blanche, another key member of Trump’s legal defense, echoed these sentiments on Fox News, arguing that Trump did not receive a fair trial. Blanche criticized the Manhattan judicial system and Judge Merchan, stating, “We couldn’t get a fair trial in Manhattan. We couldn’t get a fair trial with the judge.”
Blanche also took aim at Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and key witness for the prosecution. He claimed Cohen’s “life mission is to destroy Trump,” suggesting that certain individuals should not be permitted to testify in such trials.
As Trump prepares to face his sentencing, the political and legal ramifications of this historic conviction continue to reverberate, potentially impacting the former president’s bid to return to the White House.
