In a landmark decision, a New York jury has convicted Donald Trump on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking the first time a former U.S. President has been found guilty of a crime, as reported by NBC News. The verdict was delivered in a Manhattan courtroom where Trump had been on trial since April 15.
Trump, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was accused of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of the 2016 presidential election.
According to NBC News, Trump appeared tense, with narrowed eyes, as the jury foreperson read the “guilty” verdict for each count. The jury reached its decision after 9.5 hours of deliberation, which began on Wednesday.
This conviction makes Trump the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of criminal charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced in July, a significant event as he is the presumed Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, expressed gratitude to the jurors for their dedication during the lengthy proceedings. “You gave this matter the attention it deserved, and I want to thank you for that,” Merchan stated, according to NBC News.
Following the jury’s departure, Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, filed a motion for acquittal, which Judge Merchan denied.
During his closing arguments earlier in the week, Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass emphasized the principle of equal justice under the law. “The law is the law and it applies to everyone equally. There is no special standard for this defendant,” Steinglass asserted. “You, the jury, have the ability to hold the defendant accountable.”
This historic conviction underscores the significant legal challenges Trump faces as he continues his political career and bids for the presidency once again.
