Donald Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 presidential campaign Thursday in a historic trial that saw a former U.S. president face criminal charges for the first time.
After deliberating over two days, a New York jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The prosecution had alleged Daniels was paid to keep secret a 2006 tryst she had with Trump in order to influence the results of the 2016 election, which Trump ultimately won.
Trump’s sentencing has been scheduled for July 11.
Trump, who did not testify in his defense, is likely to appeal the verdict. The result may have an impact on Trump’s chances to reclaim the White House, however.
Below, get live updates on the case, including direct quotes and other details from media reports
Donald J. Trump has become the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. In a historic decision, a 12-person Manhattan jury found the former president guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in an effort to disguise a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
Trump is also the first major party candidate — and the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee — to run for president as a convicted felon.
Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trump’s sentencing for July 11 at 10 a.m. ET. There he’ll decide whether the former president’s punishment will include prison time, fines, probation or a combination of those.
Biden campaign responds to Trump verdict
President Biden’s campaign spokesperson released a statement following Donald Trump’s conviction, according to the New York Times, saying “no one is above the law.”
“There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box,” Michael Tyler, the Biden campaign’s communications director, told the Times. “Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president.”
