Donald Trump found guilty in "hush money" criminal trial | Special Report
Summary
TLDRIn a historic first, former US President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records, related to hush money payments made during the 2016 election. The unanimous verdict by a jury of 12 comes with potential sentences of up to 4 years for each count, though the final sentencing decision, including the possibility of jail time, probation, or fines, will be determined by a judge on July 11th. This landmark conviction, although not preventing Trump from running for office, adds a new dimension to the upcoming presidential race and the Republican National Convention.
Takeaways
- 📢 Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking the first criminal conviction of a former U.S. president.
- 🚨 The charges are related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, which prosecutors argue were an attempt to conceal damaging information from the public.
- 👥 Each of the 34 felony counts carries a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, but the final sentencing is at the discretion of the judge.
- 🏢 The trial took place in the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse and was presided over by Judge Merchan, with the jury deliberating for approximately 10 hours over two days.
- 🤔 The jury's swift verdict has been interpreted by some legal experts as a sign that may indicate a conviction, as it typically takes longer for juries to agree on an acquittal.
- 🎯 Key evidence focused on a 2015 meeting involving David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, and Michael Cohen, who was a crucial witness for the prosecution.
- 🗳️ The prosecution argued that the payments to Stormy Daniels were not merely 'hush money' but part of a scheme to interfere with the 2016 election by mislabeling payments as legal expenses.
- 👮♂️ Security around the courthouse was heightened, with police officers and helicopters on standby as the verdict was announced.
- 🗣️ Trump's demeanor during the trial was described as tense, with him sitting with his arms crossed, pouting, and staring at the judge.
- 🕰️ Sentencing is scheduled for July 11th, just four days before the Republican National Convention, adding a significant layer of complexity to the political landscape.
Q & A
What is the significance of the verdict in the trial of former President Donald Trump?
-The verdict is significant as it marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been found guilty in a criminal trial. Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records.
What were the charges against Donald Trump?
-Donald Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges are related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and are considered as part of a scheme to conceal damaging information from the public during the 2016 presidential election.
What is the potential sentence for each of the 34 felony counts against Donald Trump?
-Each of the 34 felony counts carries a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Is prison time certain for Donald Trump if convicted?
-Prison time is not certain. The decision will be up to the judge during the sentencing phase.
What was the role of Michael Cohen in this case?
-Michael Cohen, a former fixer for Donald Trump, was a crucial witness for the prosecution. He was involved in the payments to Stormy Daniels and testified about a key 2015 meeting that the jury was particularly interested in.
What was the 'catch and kill scheme' mentioned in the trial?
-The 'catch and kill scheme' refers to an alleged strategy to bury scandalous stories about Trump before the 2016 election. This was part of the prosecution's argument that the payments to Stormy Daniels were not just hush money but were made to interfere with the election.
How did the jury's deliberation process unfold?
-The jury deliberated for approximately 10 hours over two days. They requested rereads of certain testimonies and clarification on the law, indicating careful consideration of the evidence and legal standards.
What is the impact of this verdict on the upcoming presidential election?
-The verdict could have significant implications for the presidential election. It may energize Trump's supporters or potentially sway undecided voters. However, the exact impact is uncertain and will likely depend on subsequent legal developments and political reactions.
What are the possible grounds for appeal that Donald Trump's legal team might use?
-The grounds for appeal could include questions about the jury instructions, the statute under which the case was brought, and potential due process issues. The defense might argue that the case should never have been brought or that there were errors in the legal process.
How did Donald Trump and his team respond to the verdict?
-Donald Trump and his team responded to the verdict by calling it a 'rigged trial' and 'disgrace.' They plan to appeal the decision and have signaled that they will use this as a political weapon against President Biden and the justice system.
What is the role of the Supreme Court in this case?
-The Supreme Court is not directly involved in this case, as it is a state-level prosecution. However, the court has issued rulings in other state cases and could potentially be involved if the case were to be appealed through the state appeals process and then to the Supreme Court for a decision on whether to hear the case.
Outlines
📣 Breaking News: Trump Found Guilty in Unprecedented Criminal Trial
In a historic first, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a case related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The trial, presided over by Judge Merchan in the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, has concluded with a unanimous verdict from the jury after 10 hours of deliberation. The charges stem from payments made to conceal damaging information during the 2016 presidential election. Each felony count carries a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The sentencing is set for July 11th, just days before the Republican National Convention. The verdict has significant implications for Trump's political future and the upcoming presidential campaign against President Joe Biden.
🏛️ Legal and Political Implications of Trump's Conviction
The conviction of Donald Trump marks a turning point in American legal and political history. The swift verdict by the jury, after only 10 hours of deliberation, suggests a strong case presented by the prosecution. Legal experts, including former Manhattan assistant district attorney Rebecca Royi and criminal defense attorney Caroline Pelosi, weigh in on the potential outcomes, with the judge having discretion over the sentencing. Trump's conviction could lead to jail time, probation, or fines. The case has been portrayed by Trump and his supporters as politically motivated, and the verdict is expected to energize his base. The impact on the Republican Party and the presidential campaign is yet to be seen, with some predicting a burst of energy for Trump's campaign if acquitted, and a convulsive reaction if convicted.
🗝️ The Role of the 2015 Trump Tower Meeting in the Verdict
A pivotal moment in the case was the 2015 Trump Tower meeting involving David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, and Michael Cohen, who acted as a fixer for Trump. The jury requested re-reads of this testimony, which is considered central to the prosecution's argument that Trump was involved in a 'catch and kill' scheme to bury scandalous stories before the 2016 election. This meeting is seen as the origin of a conspiracy to violate election law through unlawful means, thus elevating what was initially a misdemeanor to a felony crime. The verdict's swiftness indicates that the jury found the evidence and testimony compelling, leading to a guilty verdict on all counts.
🚨 Trump's Reaction and the Road to Sentencing
Following the verdict, Donald Trump expressed his anger and disappointment, calling the trial 'rigged' and 'disgraceful.' He claimed that the trial was politically motivated by the Biden Administration and vowed to fight the conviction. Trump's sentencing is set for July 11th, a date that falls just before the Republican National Convention. The outcome of the sentencing could have significant ramifications for Trump's eligibility to run for office and his political future. The conviction and the upcoming sentencing have heightened tensions and are expected to be a major point of contention in the political landscape leading up to the November elections.
🎖️ The Justice System's Victory and Trump's Appeal Plans
The conviction of a former president is a significant moment for the American justice system, demonstrating its ability to hold even the highest office holders accountable. Legal experts, including former Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance, praised the work of the assistant district attorneys and the jury for their handling of the case. Trump's team is planning to appeal the decision, with the process potentially reaching the Supreme Court. The appeals process is expected to be lengthy and could continue beyond the November elections. Trump's conviction and the subsequent legal battles are likely to remain a major political issue, influencing the presidential campaign and the country's perception of institutional norms.
🗳️ The Impact on the Presidential Election and Trump's Campaign Strategy
The verdict's impact on the upcoming presidential election is a key focus. While Trump's conviction does not prevent him from running for office, it introduces new dynamics into the political campaign. Trump's campaign is expected to center on grievance, using the conviction as a rallying point for his base. The Republican Party, including key figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson, has shown support for Trump, indicating that they will continue to back him despite the conviction. The sentencing date's proximity to the Republican National Convention adds an extra layer of complexity to the political landscape. The Biden campaign, meanwhile, is expected to maintain a focus on issues such as the economy, abortion rights, and corporate greed, while also addressing the verdict's implications for democracy.
🛡️ The Potential Sentence and Its Political and Legal Consequences
The wide-ranging implications of the potential sentence for Trump are discussed, with experts suggesting that while jail time is a possibility, it may not be the most likely outcome. The judge has significant discretion in sentencing, which could include probation, fines, or home confinement. The decision is expected to consider Trump's age, status as a first-time offender, and the nature of the offenses. The sentencing could have profound effects on the presidential campaign, with Trump potentially campaigning as a convicted felon. The verdict and sentencing also raise constitutional and legal questions about the ability of a president to pardon themselves for state crimes, which Trump cannot do in this case.
🏢 The Business and Legal Fallout for Trump and His Organization
The trial and its outcome have broader implications beyond the political sphere, affecting Trump's business dealings and the legal standing of his organization. The conviction could lead to increased scrutiny and potential legal repercussions for the Trump Organization, which was implicated in the falsification of business records. The trial has highlighted the organization's involvement in the payments to Stormy Daniels and the subsequent cover-up, which may have long-term effects on its reputation and operations.
🌐 Public Reaction and the Polarized Views on Trump's Conviction
The public reaction to Trump's conviction is deeply polarized, reflecting the nation's divided political climate. Some view the verdict as a validation of the justice system and a sign of accountability, while others see it as a politically motivated attack on Trump. The reaction is likely to be influenced by pre-existing opinions on Trump and his presidency, with supporters rallying behind him and opponents finding solace in the verdict. The polarization is expected to intensify in the aftermath of the sentencing and as the presidential campaign progresses.
🏛️ The Supreme Court's Role in Trump's Legal Battles
The Supreme Court's potential involvement in Trump's legal challenges is discussed, with the court currently considering two cases involving Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The court is expected to decide on whether Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution for these actions. A decision from the Supreme Court could further impact Trump's legal situation and the political narrative surrounding his presidency and the upcoming election.
🎉 The Republican National Convention and Trump's Future as the GOP Nominee
The Republican National Convention looms as a critical event in the political calendar, with Trump's sentencing scheduled just days before its commencement. The convention will determine the GOP's presidential nominee, and Trump's conviction could influence the party's strategy and messaging. Despite the conviction, Trump remains the presumptive Republican nominee, with the party largely standing behind him. The convention is expected to be a contentious event, with Trump's legal troubles and the upcoming election at the forefront of discussions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Criminal Trial
💡Donald Trump
💡Falsifying Business Records
💡Hush Money Payments
💡Stormy Daniels
💡Jury Deliberation
💡Guilty Verdict
💡Political Implications
💡Sentencing
💡Appeal
Highlights
Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records, marking the first criminal conviction of a former U.S. president.
The charges are related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.
Prosecutors argued that the payments were part of a scheme to conceal damaging information from the voting public.
Each felony count carries a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The jury deliberated for approximately 10 hours over two days before reaching a unanimous verdict.
The trial focused on a 2015 meeting between David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, and Michael Cohen, a key witness for the prosecution.
Jurors requested rereads of testimony and clarification on the legal definition of 'infer' and the weight of Michael Cohen's testimony as an accomplice.
Legal experts suggest that a swift verdict is typically a positive sign for the prosecution.
The verdict comes during a presidential campaign where Trump is the Republican nominee.
Trump's defense team is planning to appeal the decision and mount a grievance war across the country.
Trump's conviction could influence the upcoming Republican National Convention and the presidential election.
Former President Trump has been accused of violating a gag order 10 times during the trial.
Trump's sentencing is scheduled for July 11th, just 4 days before the Republican National Convention.
President Biden released a statement emphasizing that no one is above the law and that the American people will have the final say in November.
Trump claimed the trial was rigged and politically motivated by the Biden Administration.
Legal analysts and former prosecutors discuss potential outcomes, including the possibility of probation or fines instead of jail time.
The White House and Biden's campaign are expected to maintain a modest reaction, focusing on issues like the economy and abortion rights.
The conviction's impact on public opinion and the upcoming elections remains uncertain.
Transcripts
this is a CBS News special report I'm
Nora odonnell in Washington and we are
coming on the air with breaking news
from the first criminal trial of a
former president in the US that is
Donald Trump we have just learned that
the verdict is in after sitting silently
through 22 Witnesses over 16 days of
testimony the juror's verdict would ever
it is will be unprecedented just to
remind everybody Donald Trump is charged
with 34 felony counts of falsifying
business records all tied to those hush
money payments made to adult film star
Stormy Daniels prosecutors claim that
the payments were part of an elaborate
scheme to quote conceal crimes that hid
damaging information from the voting
public during the 2016 presidential
election now what about these felonies
well each felony carries a potential
Cent s of up to 4 years in prison and a
$5,000 fine now if Donald Trump is
convicted prison time is not certain
that will be up to the judge during the
sentencing let's go right now to Chief
election campaign correspondent Robert
Costa who has been inside the courthouse
today and Robert what do we
know good to be with you Nora it is an
unreal scene here outside the Manhattan
Criminal Courthouse you can hear the
helicopters above police officers
everywhere bracing for this verdict to
be revealed by the jury which has been
deliberating all day based on our
reporting at CBS News the jury has
zeroed in on documents and testimony
about a key 2015 meeting between David
pecker the former publisher of the
national inquire and longtime fixer
Michael Cohen who was a crucial witness
for the prosecution the jury is wanting
to go over this testimony to figure out
was Trump directly involved in the
called catch and kill scheme to bury
scandalous stories about Trump before
the 2016 election we also know the jury
wants to know more about that underlying
crime the prosecution has been arguing
about for the past 7 weeks that this
wasn't just about so-called hush money
payments made to adult film star Stormy
Daniels it was about something bigger
about interfering in the 2016 election
by deliberately labeling these payments
as legal expenses and withholding
information from American voters it's a
very important Point Robert as the
district attorney in this case said from
the very beginning in his words this is
not a case about money for sex it's
about conspiring to corrupt a
presidential election and then lying on
business records to cover it up but the
question for those 12 members of the
jury uh was the intent question and so
that's what they have worked out on what
we estimate to be about 10 hours of
deliberation Robert I also understand
from our team of reporters that are
still inside the courtroom that Trump is
sitting with his arms crossed he's
pouting he's staring at the judge and it
feels tense inside the courtroom you've
watched Donald Trump over these past 6
weeks and have been in close contact
with officials close to him what has
been his mood his demeanor how would you
characterize this moment
is Nora I can't underscore the drama of
the past 15 minutes it was just 15 20
minutes ago that many people inside the
courthouse behind me including our own
reporters members of the Trump team
members of the prosecution believe the
jury would be deliberating till about
4:30 this afternoon and then break and
then resume deliberations on Friday then
a sudden turn a verdict was made a
verdict was decided it has not yet been
revealed everyone called back into the
courtroom Trump was confident all day we
saw him mingling with his staff talking
to family memb in the holding room as
they waited for the deliberations to be
over he has to be here at the court as
the jury deliberates but he was in an
upbeat mood that has turned the verdict
is now coming and this is more than just
a legal battle for former president
Donald Trump he is the first former
president of the United States any
American president to face a historic
criminal trial and this comes in the
middle of a presidential campaign
against President Joe Biden whose
campaign has been here in recent days in
lower Manhattan everything's on the line
right now for Trump the former president
of the United States will he serve jail
time if there is a guilty verdict he
could get probation but a prison
sentence is possible and this is someone
who just said minutes ago to reporters
he wants to campaign and this has
already been a burden a real political
cost for him costing him
time Robert Costa thank you and we
should note that the picture you are
looking at right now is a live picture
from right outside the courtroom where
we have seen Donald Trump appear some
days at the end of the trial or before
to make statements about what he has
called a Witch Hunt going on inside want
to bring in our chief Washington
correspondent Major Garrett uh we've
been to places in history that we've
never been before with Donald Trump
twice impeached uh now is likely to
become or could become I should say the
first president tried in a criminal
trial to either be acquitted and found
not guilty or guilty we just have been
here before in this what are the stakes
for Donald Trump as he is the Republican
party's nominee right to pick up on
Robert Costa's point it's not just that
he's a former president Nora he's the
Republican nominee in Waiting in an
active presidential campaign shadowed as
he has been for months now by criminal
indictments we're now going to have
probably the only verdict on any of the
pending criminal DS before the election
if he's acquitted most people I've
talked to in the Trump universe believe
there will be a burst of energy around
the former president in a very positive
political way if he's convicted they
believe those in the Trump inter circle
that this will be convulsive for the
country because at least a third of the
country Nora and maybe more than a third
believe this entire case should never
have been brought in the first place
agree entirely with the former
president's orientation to this that
others looked at this and didn't seek to
prosecute this that this is a legal
reach to take a business records case
attach it to a felony in a campaign
context which has never been prosecuted
before in New York they agree with that
orientation to this and if he's
convicted those in the Trump Inner
Circle predict a convulsive reaction
however there will be a part of this
country Norah that will say if the
former president is convicted there is
now finally some institutional
accountability for someone who has been
toppling or at least attempting to
topple all sorts of institutional Norms
in this country
I can't give you an assessment of the
actual point BYO number by number
political reaction to this but we are in
a fraught moment in American history a
lot of things hang in the balance not
just for former president Trump but the
Republican Party the Democratic party
President Biden and our sense of
institutional permanence and Norms no
doubt and this is day two to remind
everybody of the jury deliberations and
just a short time ago we got word from
the judge that a verdict was in judge
merchan saying the jury has a verdict
but we would like an extra 30 minutes to
fill out forms if that is possible want
to bring in a former Manhattan assistant
district attorney and CBS News legal
contributor Rebecca royi she joins us
now and Rebecca this 30 minutes of
course everyone is waiting to hear what
this jury has decided first 10 hours
over two days the number of questions
that they asked to get clarification on
what do you think that tells us about
how this jury may be
leaning you know it's always impossible
to know what a jury has decided until
that verdict is actually read however
this was an incredibly quick
deliberation over two days as you said
only about 10 hours of deliberation it
looks like the jury was thinking
carefully about the testimony and about
the elements that needed to be proved
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt but you know
generally speaking when verdicts are
rendered this quickly it usually is a
sign that is positive for the
prosecution because it normally takes
far longer for 12 jurors to agree to qu
acquit than this short amount of time
but of course really that is pure
speculation at this point let's also
bring in Caroline Pelosi she is the
criminal defense attorney and lecturer
in law at Columbia Law School and
Caroline good to talk to you just on
this matter falsifying business records
in New York that is a misdemeanor but it
was can be elevated if in fact intent
was used to conceal another crime that's
why this case is relevant because the
prosecutors made the case that there was
intent of course a campaign Finance
violation is their words that said it
could have tipped the election what do
you see that the jury has come back so
quickly that's right I I really do agree
with Rebecca I think the Swift nature of
this verdict and the fact that we didn't
get any other notes from saying we're
having trouble coming up with a
unanimous verdict something of that
nature we were bracing ourselves for
something along those lines I agree this
feels like guilty verdicts are on the
way um the object crime that you're
talking about there is a New York state
conspiracy to violate uh election law
and and that is by influencing an
election through unlawful means and you
know we saw that the jurors requested
rereads of testimony David Pecker's
testimony regarding that 2015
Trump Tower meeting in which the
prosecution alleged this plan this
conspiracy was hatched so I think that
that we are seeing sort of the pieces of
the puzzle come together for that object
crime making this what was uh in one
case a misdemeanor now a felony crime
falsification of the records in
furtherance of hiding this state uh New
York state election law
conspiracy any moment now we could get
the verdict in this case against Donald
J Trump these 34 felony counts the jury
had asked for an additional 30 minutes
that time has passed so we are on
standby to find out what these seven men
and five women have decided in this case
there are also we should note two
lawyers who were on this jury as well
let's bring in Jan Crawford who is our
chief legal correspondent also covers
the Supreme Court what do you see about
today as we await this verdict well I
mean following up on major's point I
think what is so extraord Aries this was
kind of seen as maybe the weakest of the
cases that could have been brought
against former president Trump the main
case being of course potentially the
prosecution for his attempts to uh
overthrow the 2020 election that case uh
has kind of ground to a halt uh as it is
now before the Supreme Court on whether
or not he is absolutely immune from
prosecution there we're waiting a
decision from the court which could
determine whether that trial will go
forward it could be potential
uh impossible for that prosecution so we
could be in a situation where out of all
the cases the classified documents case
at the January 6th potential prosecution
in this case this could end up being the
only case against former president Trump
to go to trial and potentially Merit a
conviction and to Major's Point uh that
could um land in ways that we cannot
possibly imagine a former president um
being convicted on charg that are novel
In some cases uh considered Weak by many
legal commentators and multiple grounds
for the president to argue on statutory
and constitutional grounds uh that he is
going to appeal this and fight it in the
appell at courts Donald Trump and his
attorneys are in the courtroom the judge
is in the courtroom the jury is being
brought in we are just minutes or
seconds away from a verdict and of
course as soon as we know that
information we will share it with you I
think one of the key questions Blackley
um that our viewers may have if Donald
Trump is a convicted felon he can still
run for president does it mean he will
go to
jail we don't know because the judge has
discretion as a matter of fact in the
closing arguments but he could former
for yes he could I mean that's that's
out there on the table but in the
closing arguments former president
Trump's attorney lead
attorney was harshly criticized by the
judge for injecting into his closing
argument something that defense
attorneys know they shouldn't inject
which is you can't send a former
president to jail over this and the
judge said wait a minute you can't talk
about that first of all it's a
discretion in my hands and second of all
you can't talk to a jury that way in
your close but the former president's
legal council injected that I believe as
a safe harbor to tell the jury the
stakes are so high tactically I believe
the jury knew that going in the jury has
known from day one the stakes are
enormously High one other point talking
about this 2015 meeting in Trump Tower
the prosecution said that's where this
began and it took on incredible
relevance in the final weeks of The
Campaign which I remember vividly nor
because I was covering it day by day
when the status of Donald Trump as the
Republican Party nominee was thrown into
great distress by the Access Hollywood
tape and everything that flowed from I
think it's very important that you bring
this up because people say I don't
understand why this is relev this
relationship that they had 18 years ago
why is this coming up now again because
it was October was when the Access
Hollywood tape came out Donald Trump's
team was worried that this would
completely derail his chances in beating
Hillary Clinton this the motivation to
squash lots of behind the scenes
conversations about is there an
alternative should Mike Pence become the
nominee for the one and only time in
that campaign or his presidency or his
post-presidency Donald Trump publicly
apologized he record what was described
in gallows humor by Trump AIDs that time
as a hostage video to say I'm sorry for
this for this locker room talk that
shows the depth of distress within the
Trump campaign over that particular time
and the Stormy Daniels story if it had
been confirmed and verified in that real
time the Trump campaign had every reason
to believe that could have been not only
damaging Nora but potentially fatal in
that Clos in the closing hours closing
weeks of that campaign we are just
moments away from a verdict in the case
against Donald Trump I want to bring in
Erol Bernett who is outside the
courtroom you can see a lot of the
activity though where arrol is a lot of
the police activity and arrol remind us
what some of the questions were that the
jury had today in terms of
clarification Nora that's what's so
interesting it was yesterday after only
approximately 4 hours of deliberating
that the jurors had notes for the judge
they needed instruction from the judge
on what it meant to infer something they
also wanted instructions as to how to
Value Michael Cohen's testimony
considering he was an accomplice to this
alleged crime they also wanted four