In a landmark decision, a New York jury unanimously convicted former President Donald Trump of falsifying documents related to a hush money payment made during the 2016 presidential campaign.
At 77, Trump becomes the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime and the first individual to face conviction while being the presumptive nominee for a major U.S. party.
Details of the Conviction
The 12-member jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts after two days of deliberation. The five-week trial focused on allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, facilitated by his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Cohen testified that the payment was part of a scheme to reimburse him through monthly payments disguised as legal expenses. Trump has denied the affair and maintains his innocence, labeling the verdict a \"disgrace\" and claiming the trial was biased against him.
Future Implications
The conviction raises questions about Trump's eligibility to run in the upcoming 2024 election and what legal repercussions he might face moving forward. Political analysts are closely watching how this development will influence the dynamics within the Republican Party and the broader electoral landscape.
Reference(s):
Trump found guilty: Can he stand for election and what happens next?
cgtn.com
