Donald Trump Found Guilty on All 34 Charges in Hush Money Trial, Calls Verdict 'Rigged'
In an unprecedented legal decision, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours before delivering the verdict, marking a historic moment as the first time a U.S. president has been tried and convicted on criminal charges.
Omarosa and Cohen Weigh In
Following the verdict, Omarosa told TMZ, "This verdict delivers a powerful blow to DJT, who believes that he is above the law! Donald has been Trumped by a jury of his peers." Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney who made the payment to Daniels, added, "Today is an important day for accountability and the rule of law. While it has been a difficult journey for me and my family, the truth always matters."
Trump's Reaction
Shortly after leaving court, Trump addressed the media, predictably calling the verdict "rigged" and insisting on his innocence. Using the moment as a mini stump speech, he claimed the trial was an example of America's decline and blamed the Biden administration for the case, despite a lack of evidence to support this assertion. Observers noted that Trump appeared visibly defeated.
The Trial and Charges
Trump faced 34 counts related to the $130,000 payment made by Michael Cohen to Daniels during the 2016 election to keep her quiet about an alleged affair. While hush money payments themselves are not illegal, prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to avoid declaring the payment as a campaign expense, intending to influence the election outcome.
Despite Trump's defiant plea of not guilty and his attorney Todd Blanche's assertion that the prosecution had not met their burden of proof, the jury was convinced otherwise. Blanche maintained Trump's innocence, stating, "It's as true right now as it was on April 22. And that is President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes, and the district attorney has not met their burden of proof—period. The evidence is all in."
Potential Sentencing
Trump faces a maximum of four years in prison, though it is common for defendants in similar cases to receive probation. The trial itself was a spectacle, with Trump being held in contempt 10 times and fined $10,000 for violating the judge's gag order.
Key Testimonies
Both Daniels and Cohen took the stand during the trial, with Daniels providing particularly noteworthy testimony about her alleged affair with Trump. She recounted intimate details and claimed Trump told her that he and his wife Melania no longer shared a bedroom.
Historic Conviction
This conviction is historic, marking the first time a U.S. president has been convicted on criminal charges. Trump will return to court for sentencing in July, facing the possibility of imprisonment or probation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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