wow! Donald Trump made history today (May 30) as the first former US president to be convicted of a felony. After 9.5 hours of deliberation, a New York jury found him guilty on all 34 counts in the case shortly before 5 pm ET.
He was guilty of falsifying business records after paying adult entertainers Stormy Daniels $130,000 shortly before the presidential election.
Here’s What Went Down After The Verdict In Donald’s Trial
The Associated Press reported that Donald sat “stone-faced with his eyes cast down” as the jury finished reading the verdict. Trump began to slowly look around the room and looked at the jury, still expressionless, as he insisted that he was guilty.
Immediately after the jury’s verdict and dismissal, Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, called for a “free verdict.”
“There is no basis and no way this jury could reach a verdict without accepting the testimony of Michael Cohen,” Blanche said.
Trump’s lawyer, Blanche, attacked. Judge Merchan denied the acquittal motion.
As previously reported, the jury began deliberations on Wednesday (May 30) after seven weeks of testimony in the hush money trial. Deliberations were slightly delayed after jurors asked to hear testimony from tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, Michael Cohen. The jury also asked to reexamine a portion of the judge’s instructions on navigating the law.
In the end, prosecutors called 20 witnesses during the trial, while Trump’s lawyers only called two. Testimony alleged that Trump, Cohen’s fixer, and David Pecker conspired to cover up payments to Stormy. Cohen testified twice, and Pecker testified about a phone call with Trump.
Before the trial, Donald assured his supporters that he would “absolutely” testify but never took the stand.
Trump Responds to His Verdict
Despite the wrongful verdict, Trump walked out of court today, giving the press some thought about the court’s conclusion. He has maintained the same attitude since his indictment last year – not guilty in a “rigged” trial. He also took shots at the Merchan court’s presiding judge and President Biden’s administration.
“This is a disgrace; this is a trial rigged by corrupt judges. This is a stolen trial, a disgrace. They will not give us a change of venue, we are in five percent or six percent in this district, in this region. This is what a shameless trial. The real verdict will be on November 5th by the people, and they know what happened here, and everyone knows what happened here…We did nothing wrong, I am an innocent person. And that’s okay. I’m fighting for our country. Our entire country is being rigged right now by the Biden administration and it’s just embarrassing.
Donald did not end his speech there, assuring his supporters that he would “Keep fighting because our country has gone to hell.”
Watch his comments below.
The former US president also took to social media platforms with additional comments about his innocence.
“My civil rights have been completely violated by this political witch hunt, unconstitutional, and election interference. Our failed nation is being laughed at around the world,” Donald Trump wrote.
Swipe below to see what else he had to say about the verdict and Judge Merchan.
The former fixer has also been weighed, per AP. In the text, Michael Cohen reportedly said:
“Today is an important day for accountability and the rule of law. Although this is a difficult journey for me and my family, the truth is always important. In addition, he thanked the lawyers “for their invaluable guidance and support.”
What’s Next For Donnie?
Remember that Donald Trump still has three other cases against him – a federal election interference case in Washington, DC, a state election interference case in Georgia, and a federal case alleging he mishandled classified documents and national security information.
After Judge Merchan dismissed the jury and denied the acquittal motion, he set Donnie’s sentencing date for July 11. The date is important, because it is only a few days before the Republican party is set to confirm him as the official candidate for the 2024 presidential election. .
However, Trump’s convictions did not stop him from continuing his campaign. Lara Trump’s son-in-law, who chairs the Republican National Committee committee, said in a Fox News Channel interview on Thursday that if Trump is convicted and sentenced to house arrest, he will hold virtual rallies and campaign events.
It is not clear how the judge could have caused the political and logistical complications of imprisoning a former president who would take over the White House.
However, for context, falsifying business records is a Class E felony in New York, the lowest level of felony charge in the state. Sentenced to up to four years in prison, although the final sentence will be up to the judge, and there is no guarantee that they will give Trump time behind bars.
Other penalties may include fines or probation. And it’s possible the judge will allow Trump to avoid punishment pending an appeal.
Now, Judge Merchan has allowed him to remain free on his own recognizance until his sentencing.
Stay in touch with The Shade Room as we bring you updates on this closed trial.
Associated Press staff MICHAEL R. SISAK, JILL COLVIN, MICHELLE L. PRICE, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, and TSR Social Producer AMANI M. contributed to this report.
