Trump Found Guilty on All 34 Counts in New York Trial: WATCH LIVE STREAM
In a historic and unprecedented development, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by a New York jury. This verdict, delivered after a five-week trial, marks the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted of a crime.
The charges stem from hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence allegations of an extramarital affair.
The Charges and the Trial
The indictment against Trump included 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. These charges were linked to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose silence was bought for $130,000 to prevent her story from impacting the 2016 election. Prosecutors argued that these payments, disguised as legal fees, were part of a broader scheme to manipulate the election by concealing damaging information from voters.
Key Witnesses and Testimonies
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented testimony from key witnesses, including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer. Cohen testified that he facilitated the payments at Trump’s direction, while Pecker described an agreement to suppress negative stories about Trump during the campaign. Stormy Daniels also took the stand, detailing the alleged affair and the circumstances surrounding the hush money payment.
The Legal Implications
To secure a conviction, the prosecution had to prove that Trump not only falsified business records but did so with the intent to commit another crime, such as violating election laws. The jury unanimously agreed that Trump’s actions constituted felony offenses, which are punishable by up to four years in prison per count.
Trump’s Defense and Reaction
Trump’s defense team argued that the payments were made to protect his family from embarrassment, not to influence the election. They also branded Cohen a liar with a personal vendetta against Trump. Despite these arguments, the jury found the evidence of intent to deceive convincing. Trump has consistently portrayed the trial as a politically motivated “witch hunt” and has repeatedly criticized the presiding judge and the prosecution team.
What Happens Next?
With this guilty verdict, Trump faces significant legal and political challenges. Although a guilty verdict does not preclude him from running for president again, the implications for his political career are profound. Sentencing will follow, with each count carrying a potential prison term. However, actual imprisonment remains uncertain due to various legal and procedural factors.
Broader Impact on Trump’s Legal Battles
This New York case is just one of four major criminal proceedings against Trump. He also faces charges related to election interference in Georgia and two federal cases, one concerning his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and another involving the mishandling of classified documents. Each case carries its own set of legal complexities and potential consequences.
Conclusion
The conviction of Donald Trump on all 34 felony counts in New York marks a significant moment in American legal and political history. As the nation watches, the outcomes of his other pending cases will further shape the legacy and future of the former president. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal accountability that even the highest offices in the land are subject to.