Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty of falsifying business records in a scheme to influence the 2016 election through hush money payments.
A New York jury convicted Trump on all 34 counts after 9.5 hours of deliberation over two days.
This marks the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted of felony crimes.
The conviction exposes Trump to potential prison time, though it’s unclear if prosecutors will seek imprisonment. The sentencing is set for July 11, days before the Republican National Convention. Despite this, Trump plans to continue his campaign for the White House, and the conviction does not legally bar him from running.
Trump is expected to appeal the verdict. The verdict arrives as Trump faces three other felony indictments, with this New York case likely being the only one concluded before the election.
During the trial, jurors heard testimonies from key figures, including Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, who detailed the hush money scheme. Cohen’s testimony provided a direct link between Trump and the charges.
As Trump prepares to return to the campaign trail, the conviction will likely fuel ongoing debates about his influence on American politics and the legal system.
