Former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal his affair with former porn star Stormy Daniels prior to his 2016 presidential campaign. These charges in the New York hush-money case were based on 11 invoices, 12 vouchers, and 11 checks.
Trump is the first US president to be convicted of a felony while seeking another term in the White House.
Judge Merchan expressed gratitude to the jurors
Justice Juan Merchan thanked the 12 jurors, stating, “You gave this matter the attention that it deserved and I thank you for that.”
Trump again called the trial ‘rigged’ and blamed Biden
As Trump left the court holding his son Eric Trump’s hand, he looked directly at Judge Merchan and attempted to speak.
Outside the courthouse, Trump reiterated his claims that the trial was a “disgrace” and “rigged.”
“This was a disgrace,” he exclaimed. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt.”
The former president also criticized the Biden administration, saying, “Our whole country is being rigged right now. This was done by the Biden administration to wound or hurt a political opponent.”
“We will fight for our Constitution. This is far from over,” he said as he departed. “We don’t have the same country anymore; we have a divided mess.”
Trump appeared somber
Trump appeared significantly less animated than usual, delivering familiar lines with a more sober and subdued demeanor, although a glum expression was visible on his face.
Following Trump’s unprecedented felony conviction, a Biden campaign spokesperson commented, “No one is above the law.”
“There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box,” the spokesperson added.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg quickly shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Today, a jury found Donald J. Trump GUILTY on ALL 34 felony counts.”
The judge has scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 11 at 10 a.m. ET.