Donald Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 presidential campaign Thursday in a historic trial that saw a former U.S. president face criminal charges for the first time.
After deliberating over two days, a New York jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The prosecution had alleged Daniels was paid to keep secret a 2006 tryst she had with Trump in order to influence the results of the 2016 election, which Trump ultimately won.
Trump’s sentencing has been scheduled for July 11.
The trial lasted a month and a half and was plenty eventful. In addition to the fiery testimonies of Daniels and Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, Trump was held in contempt of court 10 times and fined $10,000 for violating a gag order against attacking people involved with the trial. Many Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, traveled to New York to speak out in support of the 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
Trump, who did not testify in his defense, is likely to appeal the verdict. The result may have an impact on Trump’s chances to reclaim the White House, however. Recent Yahoo News/YouGov polling suggested a conviction would hurt Trump in head-to-head polling against President Joe Biden.
Below, get live updates on the case, including direct quotes and other details from media reports.
Scenes Outside the Courthouse: A Photo Collection
After the guilty verdict was announced, people were seen gathering to celebrate. The New York Police Department restricted access to the area around the courthouse as helicopters circled above.
Photos show demonstrators cheering in lower Manhattan, waving signs that read “Trump Convicted” and simply: “Guilty.”
Michael Cohen: ‘Today is an important day for accountability and the rule of law’
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney turned key trial witness in the case against him, responded to the jury’s guilty verdict, per new per New York magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi:
“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. I want to thank my attorneys Danya Perry and Joshua Kolb for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this process,” Cohen, who served jail time for tax evasion and bank fraud, said.
Cohen’s testimony about paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to buy her silence about an alleged extramarital affair with Trump was at the center of the prosecution’s case.
FAQ: Can Trump Still Run for President After Guilty Verdict?
Donald Trump has become the first former or sitting U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. In a historic decision, a 12-person Manhattan jury found the former president guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business Records in an effort to disguise a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
Trump is also the first major party candidate — he’s the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee — to run for president as a convicted felon.
Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trump’s sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. ET. The judge will then decide whether the former president’s punishment will include prison time, fines, probation or a combination of those.
Read more from Yahoo News Here for the answers to frequently asked questions, like whether Trump can still run for president or if he’ll be allowed to vote for himself in November.
