Overnight, a New York jury found former United States president Donald Trump guilty of 34 felonies. He is the first ever U.S president to be convicted of a crime.
Trump—who was impeached twice while in office—faced 34 charges relating to a hush money scheme. This was designed to improve his chances of winning the 2016 election by concealing hush money payments totalling US$130,000 that he made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump.
Trump pleaded not guilty and denied all wrongdoing but was ultimately found guilty of all charges.
Per ABC news, the former president responded to the verdict by calling the trial “rigged [and] disgraceful.”
“The real verdict is going to be November 5, by the people, and they know what happened here and everybody knows what happened here,” he said to cameras after exiting the courtroom.
Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11, four days prior to the Republican National Convention.
Can Trump Still Become President?
Yes, Donald Trump can still run for and, should he be voted in, become the President of the United States of America.
The US Constitution only lays out three requirements for presidential candidates, none of which reference criminal behaviour or convictions. As long as someone is a natural born citizen, at least 35 years old, and has been a US resident for at least 14 years, they can run for president.
Although potential imprisonment is certainly a hurdle in Trump’s campaign, it does not prevent him from running for or becoming president.
Will Donald Trump Go To Prison?
While Trump could face gaol time for his crimes, legal experts tend to agree it is unlikely given this is the first time he has been charged, and considering the non-violent nature of the crime.
A Manhattan judge will hand down his sentence in a month’s time, which could range from a fine of up to $5,000 to four years in prison for each of the 34 counts.
Other possible outcomes include Trump being sentenced to home detention, where he would be monitored and have to wear an ankle bracelet.
Per Forbes, on May 6 Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan ordered the former president to pay a $1,000 fine for violating a gag order relating to the case and told him “the last thing I want to do is put you in gaol.”
When Is The US Election?
The 2024 U.S election is on November 5.
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