New York Court Convicts Donald Trump In Hush Money Case; Sentencing Date Set

A criminal trial found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying documents to conceal a payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The trial judge has scheduled the sentencing date for July 11, just days before the Republicans are set to officially nominate him for the 2024 election.

The allegations center on payments made to Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, as reimbursement for a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This payment aimed to secure Daniels' silence about her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors claim the reimbursements were falsely recorded as "legal expenses" to hide their true purpose. Trump faces charges that could lead to a sentence of up to four years in prison. However, Trump has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

The Decision Made Against Donald Trump Is Historic

This historic decision marks the first time a US president has been found guilty of a crime. After two days of deliberation, the 12-member jury reached the verdict. This development occurs as Republican candidate Trump prepares to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming November 5 presidential election. Trump is expected to appeal despite denying any wrongdoing. The maximum sentence for his crime is four years in prison, though lesser penalties like fines or probation are more common. Even if incarcerated, Trump would still be able to campaign and assume office if elected.

Reuters/Ipsos polling indicates the guilty verdict could potentially lose Trump support from independent and Republican voters in his close race against Biden. The jury reached its decision after a five-week trial featuring explicit testimony from porn star Stormy Daniels about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, which he denies.

Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, testified that Trump approved a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 election and arranged to reimburse Cohen through monthly payments disguised as legal work. Trump's lawyers challenged Cohen's credibility, emphasizing his criminal record, imprisonment, and history of lying.

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