New York: Donald Trump became the first former US president convicted of a crime. A New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush money case. This happened months before an election that could see him return to the White House.
The jury found him guilty on each of the 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a payment meant to silence porn star Stormy Daniels. He could in theory be sentenced to four years behind bars for each count but is more likely to receive probation.
The 77-year-old Republican, released without bail, is now a felon. This marks a historic first in a country where presidents are seen as the most powerful.
Trump, however, is not barred from continuing his battle to unseat President Joe Biden in November — even in the unlikely event he goes to prison. And he voiced immediate defiance.
“I’m a very innocent man,” Trump told reporters, vowing that the “real verdict” would come from voters. He branded the trial “rigged” and a “disgrace.”
Biden’s campaign issued a statement saying the trial showed “no one is above the law.” It added that “the threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater.”
Judge Juan Merchan set sentencing for July 11 — four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is due to receive the party’s formal nomination.
Looking ahead, the Donald Trump conviction could have lasting effects on both national and international politics.
Moreover, it might encourage other countries to adopt similar standards of accountability for their leaders.
The Donald Trump conviction marks a significant moment in American history. No sitting or former president has faced such legal repercussions.
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