The trial of former President Donald Trump over the $130,000 payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 has ended with a guilty verdict. This makes Trump the first president in US history to be convicted of a crime. The 12 jurors in Manhattan unanimously voted on the 34 charges brought against Trump.
Upon hearing the guilty verdict, Trump initially remained impassive before turning to the jury as individual jurors confirmed the decision. He has called the trial rigged and the verdict a disgrace. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican convention where Trump is expected to be crowned as the party’s candidate for the November elections.
The crimes that Trump has been convicted of carry a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison. However, legal experts believe it is unlikely that a prison sentence will be imposed. The judge could opt for a suspended sentence, conditional release, or compel Trump to undertake social services. The implications of a conviction or prison sentence for a former president running for office again would be unprecedented and potentially explosive.
In light of this news, questions have been raised about how Secret Service protection for Trump would proceed if he were sentenced to prison or placed under house arrest. New York Mayor Eric Adams has stated that Rikers Island prison would be ready to accommodate him if necessary, even if he were placed on house arrest. It remains uncertain how this would affect his candidacy for the White House.
Overall, this trial and conviction have significant implications not only for President Trump but also for American politics and democracy as a whole.
