Donald Trump has become the first former US president to be convicted of felony crimes. A New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment made to silence a porn star before the 2016 election.
After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts. The verdict was unanimous. Justice Juan Merchan scheduled the sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated for president.
The conviction plunges the US into new territory as Trump, the Republican candidate, will campaign for the November 5 presidential election while facing a maximum sentence of four years in prison. However, incarceration would not prevent him from campaigning or taking office if he wins.
Trump, 77, has denied any wrongdoing and plans to appeal. Speaking outside the courtroom, he insisted, “We didn’t do a thing wrong. I am a very innocent man. We’ll keep fighting. We’ll fight to the end, and we’ll win.”
Trump’s supporters and Republicans quickly condemned the verdict. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “shameful day in American history.” The verdict has also led some long-time Trump donors to increase their financial support.
Despite the legal challenges, Trump remains determined to continue his campaign for the presidency, with his supporters rallying behind him. The real test will come on November 5, when voters decide the next president of the United States.
