Former U.S. President Donald Trump walks to speak to the media after being found guilty following his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. The former president was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. Trump has now become the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes. (Photo by Seth Wenig-Pool/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — Jurors in New York state court on Thursday found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn star ultimately to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
The first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president wrapped up in Manhattan, marking an extraordinary moment in American history not only for a former leader, but for one who is seeking to again hold the office. Trump, the Republican Party’s presumed 2024 presidential nominee, is now a convicted felon.
The jury deliberated for more than 11 hours, beginning Wednesday just before 11:30 a.m. Eastern and delivering the verdict to Justice Juan Merchan just after 5 p.m. Thursday, according to reporters at the courthouse.
New York does not allow recording in the courtroom but provides public transcripts of the proceedings. States Newsroom covered the trial in person on May 20.
Trump now faces penalties ranging from probation to up to four years in prison for each charge of falsifying business records in the first degree.
What they’re saying in Washington state
Jim Walsh, Washington Republican Party Chair, speaking ahead of the verdict:
“This trial has been a circus from the start. … If there is a conviction, it will very likely be overturned on appeal. What a mess. What a waste of taxpayers’ money. The only good part of this whole sordid affair is that the people see through the clown show. It’s backfiring on the clowns who’ve produced it.”
Shasti Conrad, Washington Democratic Party Chair:
“Convicted Felon Donald Trump is wholly unfit to lead our nation. His conviction today by a jury of his peers demonstrates the lengths Convicted Felon Trump will go to and the laws he will break to get what he wants – another four years of power.”
Tiffany Smiley, Republican congressional candidate:
“This trial against President Trump has always been politically motivated, and the American people have been clear – it’s not going to change their support. … This trial sets a bad precedent, and risks undermining the integrity of our judicial system. I do not believe this verdict disqualifies President Trump from serving another term in office, and polls show that it is actually bolstering his support. I, too, will continue to support his campaign and look forward to voting for him in the upcoming election.”
Semi Bird, Republican candidate for governor:
“The endless attacks against President Trump, both civil and criminal, have been targeted and specific to one purpose and one purpose only. To remove him from the presidential race.”
Leslie Lewallen, Republican congressional candidate:
“From day one, this trial has been a political witch-hunt carried out by a liberal DA and judge. … In my opinion, this verdict does nothing to disqualify President Trump from holding office, and I look forward to casting my ballot for him in November.”
New York state prosecutors charged 34 felonies against the former president for each of the 11 invoices, 11 checks, and 12 ledger entries tied to reimbursing his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.
Cohen, often referred to as Trump’s former “fixer,” said during trial testimony that he wired $130,000 to adult film star and director Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 election to silence her about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.
Three criminal cases, two federal and one in Georgia, also still hang in the balance for Trump, but the likelihood of another trial happening before November’s election is slim.
This developing story will be updated.
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