Former President Donald Trump found GUILTY

Whether you are a supporter of Donald Trump or not, one thing that cannot be denied is that this verdict today is history in the making.

What’s going on?

In a historic and unprecedented event, former U.S. President Donald Trump was found guilty on all counts in his criminal trial. The jury, composed of seven men and five women at the Manhattan Criminal Court, delivered the verdict after 10 hours of deliberation, convicting Trump on 34 charges of falsifying business records. This verdict marks the first time a former U.S. President has faced a criminal trial, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2024 White House race.

The Historic Verdict

Following the announcement, Trump expressed his discontent outside the courthouse, labeling the trial as a “disgrace” and claiming it was rigged by a “conflicted judge.” He stated, “The real verdict is going to be November 5th by the people, and they know what happened here. We didn’t do anything wrong. I’m a very innocent man. I’m fighting for our country. I’m fighting for our Constitution. This was done by the Biden administration in order to wound or hurt a political opponent.”

Trump also criticized the judge, arguing that the decision was biased from the beginning. His son, Donald Trump Jr., echoed these sentiments, calling the verdicts a “joke” and using strong language to express his frustration.

A Trial of High Drama and Intense Scrutiny

The trial spanned five weeks, featuring dramatic evidence and testimonies from 22 witnesses. The charges each carry a maximum potential sentence of up to four years in prison, and Trump has 30 days to appeal the verdicts. Throughout the trial, the 12 jurors sat silently, absorbing the arguments presented by both sides.

Prosecutors accused Trump of attempting to “corrupt” the 2016 election by concealing a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, orchestrated by his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Daniels alleged a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier, a claim Trump has consistently denied.

Key Evidence and Witness Testimonies

Central to the prosecution’s case was the explosive testimony from Daniels, which shed light on the “catch and kill” practices of the National Enquirer. This tabloid bought stories potentially damaging to Trump and suppressed them. However, the criminal charges focused on the reimbursements Trump made to Cohen, which were falsely recorded as legal expenses.

Prosecutors argued that this labeling was fraudulent, designed to hide the true nature of the hush money transaction and illegally influence the 2016 election. Defense lawyers countered by asserting that Cohen performed legitimate legal work for Trump and his family, for which he was duly compensated.

Closing Arguments: A Battle of Narratives

In the closing arguments, both sides presented starkly different narratives. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass accused Trump of “hoodwinking” voters by stifling damaging stories. He told the jurors, “The name of the game was concealment, and all roads lead inescapably to the man who benefited the most: the defendant, former President Donald Trump.”

Steinglass emphasized that Daniels’ story, despite its uncomfortable details, was central to the case, asserting, “In the simplest terms, Stormy Daniels is the motive.” In contrast, Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, painted Daniels as untrustworthy and described Cohen as the “greatest liar of all time,” dubbing him the “GLOAT.”

Trump’s Defense and Social Media Outburst

Trump chose not to testify in his own defense, but his presence was felt throughout the trial, particularly through his social media activity. He angrily labeled the proceedings a “Kangaroo Court!” and reiterated his trust in divine justice with the phrase “In God We Trust!”

The jury also heard how the hush money payment to Daniels occurred during the fallout from the 2005 “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump was heard making lewd comments about women. The prosecution argued that had Daniels’ story emerged at that time, it would have further damaged Trump’s campaign.

Assessing Witness Credibility

Steinglass concluded his argument by urging the jury to focus on the reliability of the information provided by Cohen, regardless of his personal character. “It’s not about whether you like Michael Cohen,” he said. “It’s whether he has useful, reliable information to give you about what went down in this case, and the truth is that he was in the best position to know.”

 Implications for the Future

The conviction of Donald Trump sets a historic precedent, demonstrating that even a former President is not above the law. As Trump prepares to appeal the verdict, the political ramifications of this trial will undoubtedly reverberate through the upcoming 2024 Presidential election. This landmark case underscores the enduring importance of accountability and transparency in the highest echelons of power.