NEW YORK — In a historic verdict, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty by a 12-member jury in the criminal hush money case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The case, which captured national attention, centered on allegations that Trump orchestrated illegal payments to silence women with potentially damaging information during his 2016 presidential campaign. The jury deliberated for more than 11 hours before reaching a unanimous decision, finding Trump guilty on all 34 charges.
The jury’s guilty verdict marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been convicted of a felony crime, adding a significant chapter to the already tumultuous post-presidential period for Trump.
A verdict by the jury came fast and sudden. Judge Juan Merchan first announced that the jurors would be leaving by around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. At 4:36, Merchan announced the jury had come to a verdict.
“Are we ready to bring out the jury?” Merchan said. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass responded, “Yes, judge.”
Bragg, the elected Democrat who pursued the case with vigor, had revived misdemeanor charges that were beyond the statute of limitations by bringing them as felonies with the claim that Trump falsified documents while committing an additional crime. Although Trump was not charged with an additional crime, prosecutors successfully convinced the jury that Trump had falsified the records in an illegal effort to influence the 2016 race.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution called 22 witnesses and showcased a series of documents and financial records that sought to paint Trump as the cause of the false business entries. Key witnesses included Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who provided what he said were insider details about the payments and their intended purpose.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, was present in the courtroom when the verdict was read. His legal team has already announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the trial was unfairly biased against him. They believe the evidence does not support the charges and have expressed confidence the verdict will be overturned on appeal.
The conviction could have significant political implications, potentially affecting Trump’s influence within the Republican Party and with voters in the months just before the November presidential election.