Special Poll
Historic Verdict Convicts Trump on All Counts
On Thursday, twelve New York jurors made history by convicting former President Trump on all counts in his hush money trial.
This marks the first time a former president has been convicted of a felony. Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels.
The swift verdict surprised many legal observers due to the case’s complexity and questions about the prosecution’s main witness, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. The decisive nature of the verdict is a significant victory for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose decision to pursue the case was initially met with skepticism.
After the verdict, Trump denounced the case as a “disgrace” and accused Judge Juan Merchan of being “corrupt” and “conflicted.”
Despite the conviction, Trump is still expected to be the GOP’s presidential nominee at the upcoming national convention in July.
Key Takeaways from the Day
Historic Verdict Deals Blow to Trump
Regardless of interpretation, the guilty verdict is a significant setback for Trump. A man who has spent much of his adult life cultivating a powerful image now stands as a convicted felon. While jail time is theoretically possible, it is unlikely for a first-time offender on similar charges.
Politically, the verdict provides President Biden and his Democratic allies with a potent argument. Biden, trailing in battleground state polls, can now argue against electing a criminal as president. Michael Tyler, Biden’s campaign communications director, emphasized that the verdict demonstrates “no one is above the law” and that voting is the only way to prevent Trump from returning to the Oval Office.
MAGA Pushes Back Hard
Trump and his allies swiftly condemned the verdict. His son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed on social media that Democrats had turned America into a “third-world s—hole” and framed the next Election Day as a critical moment to “save” the country.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the day “shameful” and predicted that the public would view the verdict as “dangerous,” asserting that Trump would likely win on appeal. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) described the verdict as a “complete travesty,” reflecting the firm grip Trump holds on the GOP.
Among Trump’s staunch supporters, the verdict is expected to galvanize further support and boost campaign donations. The reaction of the more moderate or undecided segment of his base remains uncertain.
Trump’s Fate Rests in Merchan’s Hands
Trump’s sentencing is set for July 11, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of four years in prison. While a maximum sentence is improbable, Trump’s future now lies with Judge Merchan, whom Trump has repeatedly criticized. The logistics of imprisoning a former president, who is entitled to Secret Service protection, add another layer of complexity. Nonetheless, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has indicated that Rikers Island prison would be prepared if Trump were sentenced.
Verdict Shakes Up Election Calendar
The conviction has dramatically altered the election landscape. An upcoming debate between Biden and Trump on June 27 precedes Trump’s sentencing by two weeks, and the Republican National Convention begins shortly after on July 15. This timeline adds tension and uncertainty to the campaign season.
Trump’s Voting Rights
Questions about Trump’s right to vote as a convicted felon arose following the verdict. Since Trump changed his residency to Florida, his voting rights are governed by Florida law. According to the ACLU, a person convicted outside of Florida retains voting rights unless imprisoned. Therefore, Trump would likely retain his voting rights unless he is incarcerated on Election Day.
In summary, Trump’s historic conviction marks a significant moment in American politics, with far-reaching legal and political implications. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the impact of this verdict on Trump’s future and the broader electoral landscape.