Nine days ago, a New York City jury convicted former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's so-called hush money case. The jury convicted Trump on all counts related to falsifying business records stemming from a scheme to cover up hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a verdict. The falsified records were assumed to violate federal campaign finance laws, which served as the predicate crime for the charges.
Although it is not uncommon for state prosecutors to base charges on violations of federal law, it is unusual in high-profile cases such as this. The jury had to find that Trump intended to commit, aid or conceal a second crime, supposedly federal campaign violations, to convict him on the falsification charge. (RELATED: ‘Mob Justice!' Fox's Constitutional Expert Shreds Letitia James' Threat To Seize Don's Assets)
Trump sentencing is scheduled for July 11. However, a new development has emerged that could potentially impact the case. In a letter to all parties, Judge Juan Merchan disclosed that the day before the conviction was announced, a Facebook user named “Michael Anderson” posted that Trump would be convicted, citing his cousin, who he claimed was a juror, as the source of this information.
Fox News obtained the letter Judge Juan Merchan shared with Trump defense attorneys and Manhattan prosecutors.
“‘Today, the Court became aware of a comment that was posted on the Unified Court System's public Facebook page and which I now bring to your attention. In the comment, the user, ‘Michael Anderson,' states:
“'My cousin is a juror and says Trump is getting convicted! Thank you folks for all your hard work!!!!'”
The comment was posted on May 29 “regarding oral arguments in the Fourth Department of the Appellate Division unrelated to this proceeding.”
Little public information is available about Michael Anderson's profile. However, he describes himself as “Transabled & professional sh– poster.”
A Trump campaign official said they are “investigating the matter.” (RELATED: Trump Reveals What He Will Do To Biden If He Wins In November)
Despite his conviction, Trump can still run for president in the 2024 election. The U.S. Constitution does not prohibit a convicted felon from running for or holding the office of the president. Trump has already secured the necessary delegates for the Republican nomination and plans to appeal the conviction, a process that could extend beyond Election Day.
Recent polls have shown mixed impacts on the standings of Trump and President Biden following the trial. A Morning Consult poll indicated that Biden leads Trump by a single percentage point nationally, 45% to 44%. However, in key swing states, Trump maintains an edge.
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