Donald Trump guilty on all counts in hush money case
Summary
TLDRIn a landmark trial, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts, marking a significant moment in American legal history. The charges, related to alleged subversion of democracy and hush money payments, were presented by a prosecution that framed the case as an attack on democratic processes. Despite Trump's claims of political persecution, the jury of 12 New Yorkers reached a unanimous verdict. The verdict has stirred mixed reactions, with some celebrating the decision as a testament to the rule of law, while others, including Trump himself, denounce it as a politically motivated move. The sentencing is set for July 11th, with the potential for jail time ranging from probation to a maximum of four years. The case is expected to have a profound impact on the upcoming presidential election, with both sides viewing it as a pivotal moment for the nation's future.
Takeaways
- 📢 The jury has found the defendant, Donald Trump, guilty on all 34 felony counts, marking a significant victory for the prosecution.
- 🎯 The charges are related to accusations of subversion of democracy and hush money, which the prosecution framed as an attempt to corrupt the last election.
- 👥 The verdict was delivered by a jury of 12 New Yorkers, who reached an independent conclusion, rejecting the defense's arguments.
- 🗣️ Trump has characterized the trial as politically motivated, alleging bias from the judge and a Democratic-led prosecution.
- 👥 The crowd outside the courthouse was emotionally charged, with both supporters and opponents of the verdict expressing strong reactions.
- 📉 Trump's response was to denounce the trial as rigged and a disgrace, vowing to continue fighting and claiming the real verdict will come in the form of the November elections.
- 🏛️ The judge has not yet sentenced Trump, who faces a range of potential outcomes from probation to up to four years in prison.
- 📚 There is speculation about the impact of the verdict on the upcoming presidential election, with some suggesting it could both hurt and help Trump's campaign.
- 🚫 Despite the conviction, Trump is still eligible to run for president as the Constitution does not prohibit convicted felons from holding office.
- 📅 The sentencing date has been set for July 11th, which coincides with the Republican convention and the potential announcement of Trump's vice presidential pick.
- 🔄 Trump's legal troubles are not over, as there are three other pending cases, including federal charges related to election interference and holding classified documents.
Q & A
What was the outcome of the trial for Donald Trump?
-Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts.
How did the jury reach their verdict?
-The jury reached a unanimous verdict, convicting the defendant on each of the counts presented to them.
What was the reaction of the crowd outside the courthouse upon hearing the verdict?
-The crowd outside the courthouse had mixed reactions, with some showing support for Trump and others expressing their approval of the verdict.
What did the prosecution argue the case was about?
-The prosecution argued that the case was about the subversion of democracy, not just about hush money.
How did Donald Trump characterize the trial?
-Donald Trump characterized the trial as a politically motivated persecution, blaming a biased judge and the Democratic party.
What is the potential jail time for Donald Trump?
-The potential jail time for Donald Trump ranges from probation up to a maximum of four years, although the exact sentence will be determined by the judge.
What is the status of Donald Trump's legal situation regarding other cases?
-There are three other cases pending against Donald Trump: one state case in Georgia and two federal cases, one related to election interference and the other concerning classified documents.
Can a convicted felon still run for and serve as President of the United States?
-Yes, the Constitution does not prohibit a convicted felon from running for or serving as President, unless the party decides not to nominate them.
What is the significance of the sentencing date announced by the judge?
-The sentencing date is set for July 11th, which is 4 days before the start of the Republican convention and likely during the announcement of Trump's vice presidential pick.
How did the former president's supporters react to the verdict?
-Supporters of the former president were very worked up, with some expressing their dissatisfaction and others maintaining their support for him.
What is the role of the gag order in this trial?
-The gag order was in place to prevent the former president from attacking witnesses, and he was found in contempt of court 10 times for violating it, although he was not given jail time for these violations.
Outlines
📣 Verdict Announcement: Trump Found Guilty on All Counts
The video script begins with a reporter announcing that Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts. The reporter emphasizes the significance of the verdict, describing it as a 'total victory for the prosecution' and a 'resounding victory' that rejects Trump's defense entirely. The case was pitched as an issue of subversion of democracy, and the jury agreed with this perspective. The reporter also notes the emotional reactions from the crowd outside the courthouse, which includes both supporters and opponents of the verdict. The scene is set in the context of Trump being the presumptive GOP nominee during an election year, with the prosecution's case alleging that Trump attempted to corrupt the last election.
🏛️ Legal Analysis and Potential Implications of the Verdict
In this paragraph, the discussion turns to the legal implications of the verdict. The reporter explains that Trump, despite being found guilty, could still run for president as the Constitution does not prohibit a convicted felon from holding office. However, the decision on whether he would serve jail time is now in the hands of the judge, who has the discretion to sentence him anywhere from probation to up to four years in prison for the low-level felonies. The reporter also notes the unusual nature of the case, given Trump's status as a former president and current presumptive GOP nominee, and the potential for a lengthy appeals process. Additionally, accommodations made by the judge for Trump, such as not enforcing jail time for violations of a gag order, are highlighted.
🗳️ Political Fallout and Public Reaction to the Verdict
The script explores the potential political impact of the verdict, noting that it is uncertain whether the conviction will help or hurt Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Some polling suggests that about two-thirds of Americans would not change their vote regardless of the verdict, while 10 to 25% of independents might be less likely to vote for Trump. The reporter also discusses the immediate public reaction, with some expressing happiness at the verdict as a demonstration of the legal system working as it should, while others are devastated. The segment includes an interview with a man named Jeffrey who believes the verdict is a sign that no one is above the law, and that the real verdict will come in the form of the upcoming election.
🗣️ Trump's Response to the Verdict and the Path Forward
In this segment, Trump's response to the verdict is captured as he addresses the American people. He characterizes the trial as 'rigged' and 'disgraceful,' blaming a 'corrupt' judge and 'conflicted' system. Trump asserts his innocence and frames the situation as a political attack by the Biden Administration. He also hints at the ongoing struggle, suggesting that the 'real verdict' will come on 'November 5th,' likely referring to the election. The reporter notes that Trump's remarks echo his previous statements both inside and outside the courtroom, and that his demeanor appears grim and angry. The segment also touches on the potential impact of the verdict on Trump's campaign and the upcoming Republican convention.
🕰️ Timeline of Upcoming Legal Events and Speculations
The script outlines the timeline for the remaining legal cases against Trump, including a federal election interference case awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court, a Florida federal case on classified documents, and a state case in Georgia. The reporter notes that it is unlikely any of these cases will proceed to trial before the election. There is also speculation about what might happen if Trump were to be inaugurated again, with the suggestion that pending federal cases might be dismissed by a Trump-appointed attorney general or that Trump might attempt a self-pardon. The segment concludes with a discussion of the technicalities of when Trump would officially be considered a felon and the potential impact of his New York State conviction on his federal cases.
🎭 Political Maneuvering and Public Statements Post-Verdict
The final paragraph focuses on the political maneuvering following the verdict. It includes a statement from the Biden campaign emphasizing that the only way to keep Trump out of the Oval Office is through the ballot box in November. The statement also criticizes Trump for believing he would never face consequences for his actions. The script notes that Trump has already begun using the trial for political fundraising, calling himself a 'political prisoner' in a campaign appeal. The segment ends with a reflection on the timing of the verdict, coinciding with the 9th anniversary of the death of President Biden's son, Bo Biden, and the expectation that the White House will emphasize the importance of respecting the rule of law.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Verdict
💡Prosecution
💡Defendant
💡Guilty
💡Felony
💡Jurors
💡Subversion of Democracy
💡Political Prosecution
💡Appeal
💡Sentencing
💡Gag Order
Highlights
Verdict announced: Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 felony counts.
Prosecution's case was about subversion of democracy, and the jury agreed with the full case presented.
No compromise verdict from the jury, a total rejection of the defendant's case.
Trump's claims of political persecution and bias were dismissed by the 12 New York jurors.
Significant emotions and reactions from Trump supporters and others outside the courthouse.
Trump's legal team's strategy and arguments during the trial, including the attempt to sway the jury on sentencing.
Judge's role in sentencing and the range of punishment from probation to up to four years in prison.
Discussion on whether Trump will have to serve jail time and the potential for an appeal.
Trump's response to the verdict, claiming the trial was rigged and politically motivated.
The impact of the verdict on the upcoming presidential election and Trump's campaign.
Legal arguments and potential appeals that Trump's team may use moving forward.
The judge's handling of the case and the accommodations made for Trump as a former president.
Sentencing date set for July 11th, and the implications for Trump's campaign and the Republican convention.
Trump's public statement after the verdict, vowing to fight and claiming innocence.
Analysis of the political ramifications and the Biden campaign's response to the verdict.
Other pending legal cases against Trump and their potential impact on his political future.
Inside the courtroom: The atmosphere and reactions as the verdict was read.
Transcripts
guys we need to go we need to go okay
okay here we go we have our verdict
Savannah here we go count one guilty
count two guilty count three guilty
count four guilty count five guilty
count six guilty count seven guilty
count8 guilty count nine guilty count 10
guilty count 11 guilty count 12 guilty
count 13 guilty count 14 guilty count 15
guilty count 16 guilty count 17 guilty
count 18 guilty count 19 guilty count 20
guilty count 21
guilty count 22
guilty count
23
guilty I'm pausing cuz it's coming in
count 24
guilty count 25
guilty count 26
guilty count
27 guilty count 28 guilty count 29
guilty count 30 guilty count 31 guilty
count
32
guilty count 33 guilty
count 34 guilty that is 34 felony counts
here all guilty verdicts Savannah ler
back to you a total victory for the
prosecution here Laura the jurors
obviously bought the prosecution case in
full there was a consideration of
whether or not they they might split
their verdict or compromise in some way
that is not the case it's a total
rejection of the de uh defendant's case
Donald Trump's case and we're starting
to show you some of the the scene
outside the courthouse we could actually
hear it
as you were reading that verdict and and
just as you're digesting it and I know
you're keeping your eye on the courtroom
as well what do you make of this
verdict Savannah it's a resounding
victory for this prosecution in a case
that they pitched as something far
greater than about hush money the way
they tried to cast this case was about
the subversion of democracy and today
the jury agreed with him Savannah the
former president has tried to cast this
as a political prosecution a political
hip butt job by a Democratic elected da
by a judge that was a bias against him
but these 12 jurors these 12 New Yorkers
have come to a different conclusion an
independent conclusion that the former
president of the United States is guilty
a 34 felony accounts you can hear the
crowd here there's a lot of trump
supporters out here that you can hear
are very worked up as I was reading the
verdict I could hear the crowd emotion
growing behind me I'm only a couple
yards away from the area that you can
see on your screens right there sort of
the the First Amendment area if you will
it's just a stone sow away from the
Press area it's been growing as the day
went on it's growing after they heard
that this verdict was coming in a lot of
emotions running very high in this city
right now again this is the presumptive
GOP nominee in the middle of an election
year for things that he did that the
prosecution said he did to try to
corrupt the last election a just
remarkable scene playing out right here
in lower manhatt I want to read we're
getting some color from the uh from the
courtroom um Tom wter saying Trump is
looking at each juror as they are pulled
craning his head at times to look at all
the jurors we're still waiting for kind
of a read on what the reaction has been
the former president of course has been
behind closed doors in a holding room uh
throughout the the trial frankly but
certainly waiting uh unable to leave the
courthouse and waiting for the verdict
so we're going to get a little more
information Dasha burns are you still uh
with in the crowd there what's her
name hey ler can you hear me I can hear
you go
[Music]
ahead ler if you can hear me there's a
lot of passion in this park right now
the former president has alleged a
couple of times that it because of the
police presence here right the
protesters demonstrators weren't able to
come they absolutely can and this crowd
is growing here I've been talking to
people who are happy about this verdict
people who are devastated about this
verdict you just saw this man uh with a
passionate we here I also just met this
gentleman what's your name Sir Jeffrey
Jeffrey um Jeffrey what is your reaction
as we're all just taking this in right
now well we're watching the legal system
work the way it's supposed to work in a
democracy three equal branches of
government no one is above the law uh he
was indicted by a jury of his peers this
was not political this was not Joe Biden
despite the alt-right rhetoric it was a
grand jury indictment and now a jury
conviction of his peers and this is the
the legal system working and uh this is
this is how America is supposed to work
and I feel very happy for America I feel
very happy for democracy because this is
how it's supposed to work Jeffrey thank
you so much I appreciate it Lester
Savannah back to you H I would expect
we're going to hear a lot of that a
characterization of this as a fair trial
as a a fair Judgment of the former
president yeah not from the former
president himself of course as he has
worked for months now to cast this as a
political persecution against him and I
think it's worth taking a beat here
right and and recognizing that whether
you like this verdict or not this is an
historic moment this is the former
president of the United States and the
current presumptive Republican nominee
in a razor close race now coming up in
November that has been convicted on
these 34 counts in a court of law and
there's going to be a lot of discussion
about the politics I want to get to
Laura Jared on a a pretty key thing that
I'm sure a lot of our viewers are
wondering will he have to serve any jail
time what is the potential for jail time
and what is the the timing of any
appeal it's a great question Savannah
and it's something that I have purposely
uh tried not to talk with you about very
much during this trial because he was
entitled to a presumption of innocence
and so it seemed premature that's a
different situation now that he has been
convicted of 34 felony counts these are
low-level felonies he does not have any
criminal history which means he hasn't
been convicted before and so the judge
will be the one who will determine his
sentence in this case he faces anywhere
from just probation to up to four years
in prison now the fact that he was
convicted on all 34 felony counts
actually functionally doesn't make any
difference because they were all the
same so it would be as if he was
convicted on one for all purposes in
other words they're not stacked it's not
four time 34 it's just four Max given
what he's facing here again for those
low-level felonies the judge will be the
one to sentence him he will get sort of
recommendations from both sides about an
adequate and appropriate sentence would
be he's going to hear from the probation
department all of this guys is going to
take months and months this sentence is
not going to just happen overnight the
judge actually making it very clear into
the jury that their job was not to
consider the sentence at all that had
come up in closing arguments the lead
attorney for the president had tried to
argue don't put this man in prison and
the judge interrupted and said no no no
no disregard that that's my job that's
not your job so the judge will be the
one who will bring everybody in in
several weeks to discuss sentencing a
plan for sentencing and then we'll see
where he goes with this I think one
thing to keep in mind here is that this
is a person who not only is the former
president but the current presumptive
GOP nominee and again it just it's hard
to really understate and underscore I
think it's it's necessary how unusual
this is this is not any other criminal
defendant as much as people have said
that he's not just any other criminal
defendant and the judge is going to have
a really tough situation here in sort of
balancing all the competing factors
making sure he's paying attention to the
case law making sure he's paying
attention to obviously to any past
president that applies to these types of
felonies in this type of situation but
this again will take weeks and weeks and
months and of course he's entitled to an
appeal this is not the end of the road
for the former president there is plenty
on this record to appeal there are
plenty of legal arguments it's always
hard to challenge a jury verdict but
there are plenty of tricky complicated
legal arguments in this case that the
former president commerciall and his
faor
in terms of doing that appeal and
typically in this kind of a case the
you're going to hear the former
president say he gets to stay out of
prison while that appeal goes on so it's
not as if he would be behind bars or in
custody while that appeal is going on
Laura has the judge made many
accommodations acknowledging that this a
is a former president and and B is a
presumptive nominee for his
party yes in in one big way Lester and
the biggest way is that he had 10
separate violations of a gag order He
was ordered not to attack Witnesses and
the judge found him in contemp of Court
10 different times I I say that because
any other defendant would have been in a
heap of trouble for that and I'm not
trying to Discount the fine that he
faced for that but but any other
defendant would have faced jail time for
that and the judge went on the record
many times saying please don't do this I
don't want to put you in prison but I
may have to if you continue to violate
the gag order now we haven't heard much
about the gag order but that gag order
is going to be in place while this case
continues on uh at least through
sentencing and then we'll see where it
goes with that but he's as of this
moment still under that gag order last
La a couple notes from the courtroom
while we were talking not surprisingly
as is customary the defense has already
made a motion for AC quiddle arguing
that the jury could must have relied on
Michael Cohen's testimony solely which
was in violation of the jury
instructions that motion already denied
by the judge that's the scene outside as
the crowd grows uh outside the
courthouse I to turn to hie Jackson here
hie you just said it very
starkly Donald Trump convicted felon
candidate for office of the presidency
of the United States what has been so
interesting is The X Factor is no one
really knows how this will play whether
it hurts him in the upcoming presidental
election or whether it helps him because
aspects of this have certainly helped
him in the primary race that's right it
has always been a question mark as to
how this would affect him in the general
election we have seen some polling
including some new numbers out today
suggesting that about two-thirds of
Americans say even if he were to be
convicted as we now know he has been it
wouldn't change their vote they would
still vote the same way that said
anywhere from 10 to about 25% of
independent suggest that it may make
them less likely to vote for the former
president still Savannah a hypothetical
is very different from the reality that
we now face let me let me point
something out here because people may
have this question can Donald Trump
still run for president even though he's
been convicted he sure can there is
nothing in the Constitution that
prohibits or precludes him from this
unless the Republican Party were to for
example uh come up and say we don't want
you as our nominee anymore let me tell
you why that's not going to happen
because we are already hearing from the
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson the
top Republican of course in the House of
Representatives calling this essentially
a shameful day in American history
describing what he sees as the
weaponization of our justice system
remember this is somebody who showed up
at Court while Donald Trump was in trial
and we just the judge has just announced
a a sentencing date let's go back to
Laura for that what are you
hearing straight yeah guys it's
interesting this came up right away and
the prosecution made a suggestion about
sentencing and the defense attorney made
a suggestion asking for a sentencing in
mid to late July pointing out that the
former president faces other charges in
other jurisdictions remember this is
just one of four different criminal
cases perhaps the only one that will
reach a conclusion before election day
and the former president's lawyer
pointing to that as a reason to sort of
put off sentencing for a little while
and the judge announcing sentencing will
be on July 11th guys July 11th at 10:00
a.m. the former president will face his
sentencing so again as I mentioned
before the people the defense are now
going to put in motions and briefs about
what they think the appropriate
sentencing will do and then or what an
appropriate sentence would accomplish
and it's interesting uh they're not
they're not really discussing any of the
conditions of release quite yes we're
going to I'm going to wait for more
information about that before I into
that guys but for right now July 11th is
sentencing and his bail continues Laura
so he's out of court he he he'll be free
on bail while pending senten I think we
just got our first glimpse of Mr Trump
from behind the glass or he he darted
back behind but um uh Eric Trump is here
this is a again the camera that we have
been seeing every day the arrival and
departure and and remarks uh from former
president Trump and uh we believe he is
uh in this group here and uh we would
guess but we don't know for sure whether
they'll address the cameras here he
comes Mr Trump what do you to say to the
American
people Mr Trump
[Music]
how are you worried about going to
[Music]
jail this was a disgrace this was a
rigged trial by a conflicted judge who
was
corrupt it's a rig trial a disgrace
they wouldn't give us a venue change we
were at 5% or
6% in this District in this area this
was a rigged disgraceful trial and the
real verdict is going to be November 5th
by the people and they know what
happened here and everybody knows what
happened here you have a Sor respect da
and the whole thing we didn't do a thing
wrong I'm a very innocent
man and it's okay I'm fighting for our
country I'm fighting for our
constitution our whole country is being
rigged right now this was done by the
Biden
Administration in order to wound or hurt
an opponent a political opponent and I
think it's just a disgrace and we'll
keep fighting we'll fight till the end
and we'll win because our country's gone
to hell we don't have the same country
anymore we have a divided mess we're
nation in Decline serious decline
millions and millions of people pouring
into our country right now from prisons
and from mental institutions terrorists
and they're taking over our country we
have a country that's in big trouble but
this was a rigged decision right from
day one with a conflicted judge who
should have never been allowed to try
this case never and we will fight for
our constitution this is long from over
thank you very much why should go for
taking no questions the former president
now about to leave the courthouse his
remarks very similar to what we have
heard during other appearances at the
courthouse and frankly during
appearances at some of the rallies he's
been able to fit in around say though
the demeanor grim and angry uh and and