Written by James Anderson.
Donald Trump’s motorcade faced traffic on the FDR Drive as he returned to Trump Tower. Unlike a sitting president, Trump did not receive a route freeze, although he did have a police escort. As his SUV slowed down, Trump waved to a crowd gathered outside the courthouse. The crowd was a mix of supporters and critics, some cheering his guilty verdict and others voicing support for the former president.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when the news of Trump’s guilty verdict reached people’s phones. Silence turned into loud cheers and applause, though some individuals expressed anger. Throughout the day, there were sporadic cheers from passersby who saw posters calling for Trump’s imprisonment. Simultaneously, pro-Trump banners and American flags were waved by his supporters.
Sentencing Before GOP Convention
Donald Trump’s sentencing is scheduled just days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be officially nominated as the party’s presidential candidate. The sentencing hearing is set for July 11, while the RNC begins on July 15 in Milwaukee. Trump must be present in court for the sentencing, which poses a significant timing challenge for his campaign.
CNN’s Kristen Holmes reported that Trump’s legal team had initially requested a late-July sentencing date to avoid conflict with the convention. “Donald Trump’s team has been incredibly concerned about this trial around the convention,” Holmes explained. The timing has been a major concern for Trump’s advisers, who feared that delaying tactics might push the trial too close to the convention.
Key Witness Michael Cohen’s Reaction
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, responded to the verdict, stating, “Today is an important day for accountability and the rule of law.” Cohen, who was the Manhattan district attorney’s key witness in the hush money trial, expressed gratitude to his attorneys for their support. “While it has been a difficult journey for me and my family, the truth always matters,” Cohen added. His testimony was crucial in securing Trump’s conviction.
Details of the Verdict and Aftermath
Judge Juan Merchan had announced that the jury would be dismissed at 4:30 p.m., leading to an expectation that deliberations would continue the next day. Trump was thanking court staff and appeared relaxed, a rare sight since the jury selection began. However, the jury reached a verdict after nearly 12 hours of deliberation over two days, asking for 30 minutes to complete their forms.
Here’s a summary of the key events:
Guilty Verdict: Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges stemmed from 11 invoices, 12 vouchers, and 11 checks related to his monthly reimbursements to Michael Cohen, who had paid $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Acquittal Motion Denied: Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, requested an acquittal of the charges, but the judge denied the motion.
Sentencing Date: The judge set the sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention.
Trump’s Reaction: During the verdict reading, Trump remained expressionless and then showed visible frustration, grabbing his son Eric’s hand before exiting the courtroom. Outside, he called the trial a “disgrace” and a “rigged trial,” maintaining his innocence. Trump emphasized that the “real verdict” would come on November 5, referring to the general election.
Our Take
The conviction of Donald Trump on all counts represents a significant moment in American political history. This case highlights the profound legal and ethical challenges that continue to impact the nation’s political landscape. The proximity of Trump’s sentencing to the Republican National Convention underscores the complexities and potential disruptions in the political process. The American people deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders, and the outcome of this trial serves as a crucial reminder of these values.
