After 11 hours of deliberations, a verdict has been announced in the hush money case involving former President Donald J. Trump. As Trump himself predicted on Wednesday, it’s guilty.
The 12 jurors tasked with deciding Trump’s fate found him guilty on all 34 felony counts.
Before the jury began deliberations in New York v. Trump, Judge Juan Merchan instructed its members that they did not need to have a unanimous verdict in order to convict the former president. Merchan warned against “outbursts” of any kind while the verdict was being read.
The trial carries significant stakes both legally and politically. At the core of the case is the allegation that Trump, through his onetime fixer Michael Cohen, paid $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her silent about an alleged affair, violating campaign finance laws by failing to report the expenditure as a campaign contribution.
A frown was reportedly visible on Trump’s face as the guilty counts were read aloud.
What Happens Next?
A sentence could result in fines and potentially jail time for Trump. He will learn his fate on July 11.
But before the New Yorkers on the jury could even dot the i’s and cross the t’s on their forms, the Trump campaign swooped in with a brand new ad.
A slight favorite to win the White House, pundits have hypothesized that Trump may face diminished support from voters who aren’t keen on backing a candidate with a criminal record. On the flip side, it could galvanize his base and swing voters, who view the trial as a politically motivated attack while the economy remains in the gutter. (RELATED: Actor Dennis Quaid Backs Trump Amid Trial)
Speaking to cameras as he left the courtroom, a defiant Trump said: “This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be November 5, by the people.”
Meanwhile, reaction to the verdict poured in from across the political spectrum:
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Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.
