Trump Declares Indefatigable Resolve, Proclaims Judicial Proceedings Far From Concluded
Trump’s Pre-Closing Remarks: ‘I’m Present Due to Corrupt Joe Biden’ In a remarkable address outside the New York City courtroom preceding the final arguments in his criminal trial, former President Trump decried the proceedings against him.
Former President Donald Trump has been adjudged culpable on all charges in an extraordinary and unparalleled criminal trial, marking a historic moment as the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg leveled 34 counts of first-degree falsification of business records against Trump.
Trump maintained his innocence on all charges.
The jury unanimously found the former president guilty on all counts.
Each charge carries a maximum of 4 years’ imprisonment, summing up to a potential 136 years of incarceration for Trump.
Judge Juan Merchan summoned the jury to deliver its verdict after two days of deliberation.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11 at 10:00 a.m., just four days before the commencement of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee from July 15-18, where Trump is anticipated to be officially nominated as the 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
Any legal motions must be filed by June 13.
The conviction does not preclude Trump from running for president.
Prosecutors had to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified records to hide a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, intended to silence her regarding an alleged 2006 affair in the lead-up to the 2016 election.
Trump Decries ‘Sham Trial’ as a Dire Day for America
Following the jury’s verdict, Trump addressed the press in the courthouse hallway.
“This was a sham. This trial was rigged by a biased, corrupt judge. No venue change was granted,” Trump asserted. “We had negligible support in this district. This was a rigged and disgraceful trial.”
Trump predicted, “The true verdict will come on November 5th from the people.”
He continued, “Everyone is aware of what transpired here. This involved a Soros-backed District Attorney.”
“We committed no wrongdoing. I am innocent. I fight for our nation and our Constitution. Our country is currently rigged.”
Trump attributed the case to the Biden administration’s efforts to undermine a political adversary.
“It’s disgraceful. We’ll fight to the end and triumph because our country is in turmoil. We no longer have the same nation; we are divided and in decline.”
He lamented, “Millions are entering our country from prisons and mental institutions. Terrorists are infiltrating. Our nation is in grave trouble.”
“This decision was rigged from the start, with a biased judge unfit for this case. We’ll continue fighting for our Constitution. This is far from over.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, in a Thursday evening press conference, expressed gratitude to the jury for their diligence.
“We owe thanks to the jury for their meticulous attention to the evidence and law over these past weeks. Twelve everyday New Yorkers, plus alternates, heard testimony from 22 witnesses, including former and current employees of the defendant, media executives, book publishers, custodians of records, and others. They reviewed call logs, texts, emails, recordings, checks, invoices, bank statements, and calendar entries.”
Bragg underscored, “This white-collar prosecution is central to our work at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.”
Bragg concluded, “The jury’s unanimous decision beyond a reasonable doubt found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a scheme corrupting the 2016 election. Despite the uniqueness of this defendant, we adhered to our standard procedure: following facts and law without fear or favor.”
Bragg asserted, “I did my job. Our job is to follow the facts and the law. The jury’s voice is the only one that matters.”
Following the verdict, Trump’s campaign website labeled him a “political prisoner.”
Conversely, the Biden campaign remarked that Trump “has always wrongly assumed he would avoid repercussions for his unlawful actions. Today’s verdict doesn’t change the fact that the only way to keep Trump out of office is through the ballot box.”
Michael Tyler, Biden’s campaign spokesman, added, “The threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater.”
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and the prosecution’s star witness, celebrated the verdict.
“Today marks a pivotal day for accountability and the rule of law,” Cohen stated. “Despite a challenging journey, truth prevails.”
Cohen tweeted on X to exclaim, “Guilty On All Counts! #TeamCohen.”
Guilty On All Counts! #TeamCohen pic.twitter.com/7i72keStCP
— Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) May 30, 2024
During closing arguments, Trump’s defense team insisted on his innocence, arguing that Bragg failed to meet the burden of proof.
“President Trump is innocent. He committed no crimes. The district attorney did not meet the burden of proof. Period,” Blanche stated.
Blanche emphasized the case’s simplicity, arguing it wasn’t about guilt.
“This case revolves around documents, not an encounter with Stormy Daniels 18 years ago or a nondisclosure agreement from eight years ago.”
Blanche contended the charges hinged on whether Trump was involved with payments to Cohen in his accounts.
“The records were accurate with no intent to defraud, and no conspiracy to influence the 2016 election,” Blanche argued. “The evidence doesn’t add up.”
Blanche reminded the jury of Cohen’s dubious credibility due to past lies to Congress and courts.
“You cannot convict based on Cohen’s testimony. A verdict must rest on documented evidence and reliable witnesses.”
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass delivered a five-hour closing argument, presenting what he called “compelling” evidence against Trump.
Steinglass contended Trump’s fraudulent intent was unmistakable, suggesting a simpler alternative of directly paying Daniels. Instead, Trump devised a complex scheme cloaked in deceit.
“Concealment was paramount, and all evidence points to the primary beneficiary: the defendant, Donald Trump,” Steinglass asserted.
Defending Cohen’s role as a witness, Steinglass explained, “Cohen’s knowledge of Trump’s operations made him invaluable despite his faults.”
“The defense didn’t choose Cohen; Trump did, for his willingness to deceive on Trump’s behalf.”
Trump’s defense, in a second bid to dismiss the case, claimed insufficient evidence tied Trump to any falsified records.
Cohen testified about making the $130,000 payment to Daniels using a home equity line to hide it from his wife, under Trump’s directive.
However, defense lawyers contended Trump never instructed Cohen to make the payment.
Cohen described being reimbursed $420,000, with Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg advising him to “gross up” the payments. Cohen confirmed receiving 11 checks totaling $420,000, falsely labeled as retainers.
The prosecution’s case relied on complex evidence of Trump’s alleged concealment efforts, while the defense argued for a straightforward verdict of innocence based on documentary evidence and witness reliability.
Impact on Trump’s Political Future
The verdict casts a long shadow over Trump’s political future. While he has maintained a significant base of support, this criminal conviction could hinder any potential bids for future office. The legal restrictions and the stigma associated with a felony conviction pose substantial barriers to any political aspirations he might have had.
Reactions from the Political Sphere
Reactions to the verdict have been polarized, reflecting the deep divisions within American society. Democratic leaders have hailed the verdict as a victory for the rule of law, emphasizing that no one, not even a former president, is above the law. Conversely, many Republican leaders and Trump supporters have decried the trial as a witch hunt, vowing to continue supporting Trump despite the conviction.
Public and Media Response
The public response has been equally divided, with social media platforms and news outlets buzzing with reactions. Major news networks have provided extensive coverage, with pundits and legal experts dissecting the trial’s proceedings and its broader implications. Public opinion polls indicate a split perspective, with some viewing the verdict as justice served and others perceiving it as politically driven retribution.
Media’s Role in Shaping Perception
The media’s role in shaping public perception of the trial cannot be understated. Throughout the proceedings, various outlets have been accused of biased reporting, either in favor of or against Trump. This has further fueled the polarization, as audiences tend to gravitate towards sources that align with their preexisting views.
Social Media Dynamics
On social media, the conversation has been highly charged, with hashtags related to the trial trending for days. Memes, commentary, and debates have proliferated, illustrating the intense interest and emotional investment many have in the outcome. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have seen an uptick in both support and condemnation of Trump, reflecting the contentious nature of the trial.
Historical Context and Comparison
Trump’s trial and subsequent conviction can be compared to other high-profile cases involving political figures. Historically, few former presidents have faced criminal charges, making this case particularly notable. Comparisons have been drawn to cases like those of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, although neither faced criminal trials post-presidency.
Lessons from Past Trials
Past trials of political figures offer insights into the potential fallout from Trump’s conviction. Nixon’s resignation following the Watergate scandal and Clinton’s impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky affair had lasting impacts on their legacies and public trust in government. Trump’s case, however, involves criminal activities, setting it apart in terms of severity and potential consequences.
Legal Experts’ Analysis
Legal experts have weighed in on the verdict, offering various interpretations of its significance. Some see it as a reaffirmation of the judicial system’s integrity, while others view it as a dangerous precedent of legal actions against political adversaries.
Supporters of the Verdict
Supporters argue that the trial was conducted fairly and that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to Trump’s guilt. They believe the conviction sends a strong message about accountability and the importance of upholding the law, regardless of one’s position or influence.
Critics’ Perspective
Critics, however, contend that the trial was marred by bias and that Trump was targeted due to his political stance. They argue that the legal system was weaponized against him and warn of the implications for future political figures who might find themselves in similar situations.
Global Reactions
Internationally, the trial and verdict have attracted significant attention. World leaders and global media have been closely following the proceedings, given Trump’s impact on international relations during his presidency.
Diplomatic Reactions
Reactions from foreign governments have varied. Some have expressed satisfaction with the outcome, seeing it as a reinforcement of democratic principles. Others have remained neutral or cautious in their responses, acknowledging the trial’s significance while refraining from overt commentary.
Global Media Coverage
Global media outlets have provided extensive coverage, often comparing Trump’s trial to high-profile cases in their own countries. The verdict has sparked discussions on issues of corruption, legal accountability, and the role of media in political trials.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict in Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial represents a significant moment in American history. It underscores the principle that no one is above the law and highlights the complexities and challenges of prosecuting a former president. The trial’s outcome will undoubtedly influence political dynamics, public trust in the legal system, and perceptions of justice in the United States and beyond. As the nation grapples with the implications of this landmark case, it remains to be seen how it will shape the future of American politics and the rule of law.
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