Donald J. Trump was found guilty on Thursday of falsifying records to conceal a sex scandal that posed a threat to his 2016 presidential campaign. This marked the end of a remarkable trial that tested the strength of the American justice system and turned the former president into a criminal.
The guilty verdict in Manhattan, encompassing all 34 counts, will have far-reaching implications for both national and international politics, ushering in a new era of presidential campaigns. As Mr. Trump embarks on his third White House bid, voters are now faced with a choice between an unpopular incumbent and a convicted felon.
While the notion of electing a felon as president was once unthinkable, Mr. Trump’s unconventional behavior continues to resonate with his supporters as he challenges the country’s established norms. Despite the guilty verdict, the former president is already working to undermine his conviction, asserting his political power over the rule of law.
As Mr. Trump received his verdict with little emotion, he later addressed the media, denouncing the decision as a “disgrace” and emphasizing that the true verdict would come from the people on Election Day.
The judge overseeing the case released Mr. Trump on his own recognizance, scheduling his sentencing for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention where he is expected to be nominated as the presidential candidate.
Prosecutor Alvin L. Bragg did not disclose whether he would seek a prison sentence for Mr. Trump. The former president could face up to four years behind bars, though he may receive probation instead, potentially avoiding imprisonment altogether. With ongoing legal proceedings and an impending appeal, Mr. Trump remains free to campaign for the presidency.
The trial, which focused on events from Mr. Trump’s first White House campaign, involved tabloid intrigue, secret payments, and a cover-up scheme reminiscent of the Watergate scandal. The jury, after almost 10 hours of deliberation, delivered a guilty verdict on all 34 counts, concluding a case that exposed months of deception and manipulation.
Key witnesses, including a tabloid publisher, a campaign spokeswoman, and adult film star Stormy Daniels, provided crucial testimony that led to a dramatic showdown between Mr. Trump and his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen.
Despite attempts to discredit Mr. Cohen’s credibility, prosecutors argued that Mr. Trump had orchestrated a criminal conspiracy, using falsified records to hide illicit activities during his campaign. The defense maintained that Mr. Trump had not falsified any documents, questioning Mr. Cohen’s motives and reliability.
Throughout the trial, Mr. Trump defied court orders and displayed a lack of respect for the judicial process. His legal battles are far from over, as he faces additional indictments in other jurisdictions. However, the Manhattan trial is likely to be his only court appearance before the upcoming election.
Despite the conviction being a significant setback for Mr. Trump, his base continues to support him, viewing him as a political martyr. The verdict has ignited a fierce political divide, with reactions ranging from condemnation to unwavering loyalty.
As Mr. Trump prepares for his campaign, he plans to leverage his conviction to portray himself as a victim of political persecution. By casting doubt on the judicial process and attacking his opponents, he aims to rally his supporters and maintain his political influence.
Mr. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, hailed the conviction as a victory for justice, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law without bias. He acknowledged the potential backlash to the verdict but stressed that the jury’s decision was paramount.
The Conspiracy
Five years ago, Mr. Bragg vowed to reform the criminal justice system in Manhattan, promising equal treatment for all. His prosecution of Mr. Trump on charges of falsifying business records marked a significant step towards fulfilling that pledge.
Mr. Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts reflected his efforts to conceal a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels through falsified documents. The meticulous records presented during the trial, including invoices, ledger entries, and checks, demonstrated Mr. Trump’s direct involvement in the scheme.
Despite attempts to downplay the significance of the records, the prosecution successfully argued that Mr. Trump had orchestrated a conspiracy to deceive the American public and influence the 2016 election.
The Showdown
Central to the prosecution’s case was Michael D. Cohen’s testimony, which provided a direct link between Mr. Trump and the falsified records. Mr. Cohen’s account of a meeting at Trump Tower, where Mr. Trump approved the scheme to hide the hush-money payment, served as a crucial piece of evidence.
During closing arguments, prosecutors emphasized the irrefutable proof of Mr. Trump’s involvement, including handwritten notes from Allen H. Weisselberg detailing the reimbursement process. Mr. Cohen’s unwavering testimony further solidified the case against Mr. Trump.
The trial marked a series of legal setbacks for Mr. Trump, culminating in a criminal conviction that could have far-reaching implications. As America enters a period of uncertainty, Mr. Trump remains defiant, signaling that his legal battles are far from over.
Wesley Parnell and Michael Rothfeld contributed to this report.
