A landmark verdict was reached in New York City on Thursday as former U.S. President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts related to a hush money payment made in 2016.
The charges accuse Trump of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star, shortly before the presidential election. This conviction marks the first time a former U.S. president has been found guilty of a crime.
Justice Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump's sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican Party is set to officially nominate him for the November 5 election. Despite the verdict, Trump, 77, maintains his innocence, labeling the trial a "disgrace" and claiming it was rigged against him.
The trial included detailed testimony from Stephanie Clifford, who alleged a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors argued that the hush money was part of a broader scheme to influence the election by hiding unfavorable information about Trump.
While Trump's defense contended that the payments were a form of political strategy and not illegal, the court was persuaded by the prosecution's arguments. The conviction for falsifying business documents carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison, though actual sentences are typically shorter.
President Joe Biden's campaign responded by stating that the trial reinforces the principle that "no one is above the law" and that Trump's actions pose a significant threat to democracy. Should Trump be sentenced and later win the presidency, legal experts note that he would not be able to pardon himself in this state-prosecuted case.
Opinion polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Biden, with the guilty verdict potentially impacting Trump's support among independent and Republican voters. This case, previously seen as minor among Trump's legal challenges, now holds significant weight as it stands as the most immediate trial before the upcoming election.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
