Trump Guilty on All Counts: Historic Verdict in Hush Money Case

Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a New York trial.
The charges relate to a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Jury deliberated for nine and a half hours over two days before reaching the unanimous verdict.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg led the prosecution, arguing Trump recorded reimbursements to his lawyer Michael Cohen as legal expenses to hide the payment.

Trump denied having an affair with Daniels and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Sentencing scheduled for July 11; Trump could face up to four years in prison.

Trump criticized the trial as "rigged" and intends to appeal the verdict.

Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and key prosecution witness, testified that Trump approved the payment to Daniels and coordinated reimbursements disguised as legal fees.
Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about efforts to suppress negative stories about Trump.

The trial marked the first criminal conviction of a former U.S. president, impacting Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

Legal and political implications significant, with Trump planning to appeal and continuing his re-election bid.

The verdict has sparked a wide range of reactions, including criticism from Trump supporters and statements on the rule of law from political opponents.

Trump claimed the trial was politically motivated and promised to continue fighting the charges.
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the verdict as a "shameful day in American history" and a political exercise by Democrats.

President Joe Biden's campaign stated the verdict shows no one is above the law and emphasized the importance of the upcoming election.

Cohen celebrated the conviction as a victory for accountability and the rule of law.
The defense argued that the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses, and Trump's lawyers questioned Cohen's credibility due to his criminal record and history of lying.

The trial featured graphic testimony from Daniels and others, detailing the hush money scheme and Trump's involvement.

Trump's defense highlighted his claim that the case was driven by political motivations to harm his re-election chances.

Trump is also facing other felony indictments, but the New York case may be the only one to conclude before the November 2024 election.

Legal experts suggest that the trial's outcome could influence the presidential race and the perception of the justice system.