DLNews Crime:

Bombshell Verdict: Donald Trump Found Guilty on All Charges in New York Hush Money Trial

In an unprecedented and historic turn of events, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts in the New York hush money trial. The jury delivered their sensational verdict at precisely 5:07 p.m. local time, marking a monumental moment in American history. For the first time ever, a former president has not only been criminally charged but convicted, setting the stage for a seismic shift in the political landscape.

Donald Trump after the court's announcement, next to his lawyer Todd Blanche.

The Verdict: A Turning Point

The verdict, which came after lengthy deliberations, is a bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the nation. Judge Juan Merchan, aged 61, presided over the trial and expressed his gratitude to the jury upon their decision. The sentencing, scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m., will be keenly anticipated, with the potential consequences ranging from a suspended sentence to actual imprisonment. Reports indicate that Secret Service agents have already initiated discussions with local law enforcement regarding the logistics of guarding Trump in prison, should it come to that.

Trump's Reaction: Defiance and Denial

Trump, who was visibly shaken, sat slumped in his chair as the verdict was read. Displaying a mix of resignation and defiance, he stared blankly at the jury and declared, "I am a very innocent man." Labeling the trial a "disgrace" and the verdict "rigged," he vowed that the "real verdict" would be delivered at the ballot box in November, where he remains the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election.

His lawyer, Todd Blanche, vehemently demanded the verdict be overturned, arguing, "The court cannot allow such a verdict. There was no evidence!" The defense's stance underscores the heightened political stakes and the anticipated appeal process.

Political Ramifications: The Road to 2024

The implications of this verdict for the 2024 election are profound. Trump’s rivals, particularly President Joe Biden, can now label him a "convicted criminal," a term that could sway the approximately 20 percent of swing voters who have shown reluctance to support Trump under these circumstances.

Before the verdict, Trump attempted to downplay the potential outcome, claiming that even Mother Teresa wouldn't have been acquitted in such a "politically motivated, unfair and disgraceful trial." This narrative is likely to feature prominently in his campaign rhetoric as he seeks to mobilize his base and challenge the legitimacy of the proceedings.

The Charges: Hush Money and Falsified Documents

At the heart of the trial were allegations that Trump orchestrated a scheme to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign by paying her $130,000 in hush money. This payment, facilitated by Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, was reportedly misrepresented as "legal fees" in business records, a falsification that formed the core of the indictment.

To elevate these charges from misdemeanors to felonies, the prosecution argued that Trump’s actions constituted a broader attempt to manipulate the election by concealing damaging information. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his team successfully convinced the jury that Trump's actions violated New York's election, donation, and tax laws. In his closing argument, Chief Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass described the scheme as a "subversion of US democracy."

A Divisive Trial: The Defense's Battle

Throughout the trial, Trump's defense, led by Todd Blanche, staunchly maintained that no laws were broken and that Trump was an "innocent man." Despite their efforts, the jury found the prosecution's case compelling and delivered a unanimous guilty verdict.

What’s Next?

As Trump prepares to appeal, the nation remains riveted by this dramatic saga. The forthcoming sentencing hearing and the potential for Trump to campaign as a convicted criminal add layers of complexity to an already tumultuous election cycle. The ramifications of this case will undoubtedly reverberate through the corridors of power and across the political landscape for years to come.