Donald Trump’s recent presence in court has been akin to a dramatic reality show, sparking considerable discussion amidst speculation about his potential 2024 presidential candidacy. During his contentious Hush Money Trial, Trump received a guilty verdict, marking him as the first former president to face a criminal conviction.
A journalist from the Daily Mail, who was present at the scene, characterized it as highly tense, almost reminiscent of a cinematic experience. Onlookers could observe Trump visibly expressing his disapproval by shaking his head as the initial 34 verdicts were announced.
The Manhattan Criminal Courthouse’s fifteenth floor was tense as the convicted former leader entered. His son Eric fist-bumped him, a moment of solidarity amidst uncertainty. The story’s core is the courtroom drama, as the ex-president reacted emotionally to being found guilty on all charges of falsifying business records.
The 34 ‘guilty’ verdicts hammered the tension, transforming the confident atmosphere earlier. Trump and his lawyers, once jovial, wore expressions of heavy weight as 4:30 approached, visibly impacted by the moment.
“We the jury have reached a verdict,” Judge Juan Merchan read out loudly. Moments earlier, Daily Mail journalist Daniel Bates noticed Trump and his lawyer, Todd Blanche, sharing hearty laughter at the defense table in court. Their joviality led them to cover their faces, but Judge Merchan then urged calmness and ‘no outbursts’ ahead of the impending verdict.
As the jury members walked by Trump, he recalled not receiving any attention. Blanche seemed anxious, touching his face repeatedly. Suddenly, Judge Merchan signaled for the jury to return to the courtroom. Eleven court security personnel and four Secret Service agents closely watched as the jury members entered, positioned just inches away from Trump at the defense table.
The judge read the initial charge, asking, “How do you plead?” The foreman replied, “Guilty,” followed by the same response to two more charges. Trump showed disappointment at the third allegation’s announcement.
The court clerk listed each charge, to which the foreman consistently responded “Guilty,” causing Trump to stare ahead in shock. Judge Merchan commended the jury’s commitment. Trump’s lawyer, Blanche, argued that the verdict relied heavily on Michael Cohen’s testimony, Trump’s ex-lawyer known as his ‘fixer.’
