In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. This verdict came after nearly 12 hours of deliberation over two days by the jury, who had requested 30 minutes to fill out their forms before delivering their decision.
Courtroom Scene
Judge Juan Merchan had informed the courtroom that the jury would be dismissed at 4:30 p.m., with the expectation that deliberations would continue on Friday. Trump, appearing more relaxed than at any point since jury selection, thanked the court staff. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when the news broke that the jury had reached a verdict.
Verdict Details
Trump was convicted on all 34 counts related to falsifying business records, stemming from 11 invoices, 12 vouchers, and 11 checks that constituted his monthly reimbursement payments to Michael Cohen. Cohen had advanced the $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Acquittal Motion Denied
Following the guilty verdict, Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche moved for an acquittal of the charges, but Judge Merchan denied the motion.
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Sentencing Date Set
Judge Merchan scheduled Trump’s sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15. This timing has raised concerns within Trump’s team, as the convention is expected to officially nominate him as the party’s presidential candidate.
Trump’s Reaction
Trump remained stoic during the verdict reading and the subsequent denial of the acquittal motion. He frowningly shook his son Eric’s hand before exiting the courtroom, visibly upset.
Public Statement
Outside the courtroom, Trump labeled the hush money trial a “disgrace” and a “rigged trial.”
Impact on Republican National Convention
The scheduling of Trump’s sentencing just days before the Republican National Convention has been a significant concern for his team. Sources told CNN’s Kristen Holmes that Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, had requested a late-July sentencing date to avoid a conflict with the convention. Despite this, the trial’s timing now means Trump will face sentencing shortly before the convention begins in Milwaukee.
Michael Cohen, the key witness in the trial, responded to the verdict by emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law. He thanked his attorneys for their support and reiterated the significance of truth in his statement.
Traffic and Public Reaction
As Trump’s motorcade traveled back to Trump Tower, it encountered traffic on the FDR Drive, accompanied by a police escort. Outside the courthouse, Trump waved to a mixed crowd of supporters and critics. The crowd’s reaction varied from cheers and claps to anger, reflecting the polarized public sentiment.
Crowd Dynamics
The atmosphere outside the courthouse was charged, with people holding posters calling for Trump to be jailed, while others waved pro-Trump banners and American flags. The crowd’s response to the verdict highlighted the deep divisions in public opinion regarding Trump.
This historic conviction marks the first time a former U.S. president has been found guilty of criminal charges, adding a significant chapter to the ongoing political saga as Trump remains a central figure in the Republican Party.
