Summary

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges allege he made payments to his attorney to reimburse a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels for her silence about a 2006 encounter. These payments were falsely recorded as legal expenses. The prosecution argued Trump intended to conceal a conspiracy to influence his 2016 candidacy. Trump faces sentencing on July 11, 2024, with a maximum of 4 years in prison. Despite the conviction, Trump plans to appeal and continue his presidential campaign, even under house arrest.

‍

For those who read...

Today, we are diving into the Trump hush money trial, what he was convicted of, and how it may impact the upcoming election.

‍

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges in question allege that he made 11 different payments to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, in order to reimburse Cohen for a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. The 34 charges account for the 11 checks sent to Cohen, the corresponding 11 invoices, and 12 company records or “vouchers.” These payments were recorded in the invoices and vouchers as legal expenses. Prosecutors argued that these business records were falsified because Trump knew these payments were to reimburse Cohen for paying Daniels, not for legal fees.

‍

Under New York law, falsification of business records is classified as a misdemeanor, so why did Trump face felony charges? Well, to be charged as a felony, the prosecution must prove that the defense intended to quote “aid or conceal” another crime with the falsified records. The other crime prosecutors charged Trump with was a violation of the New York law that criminalizes conspiracy to promote or prevent someone taking public office by unlawful means. From then on, all the jury had to do was unanimously decide whether Trump falsified business records with intent to promote his 2016 candidacy. 

‍

A quick break from politics to shout out our amazing sponsor:

Speaking of New York, I’ve had a hankering for a fresh, authentic New York bagel ever since I moved out of state. But, thanks to Just Bagels, I’ll never have to go without one again! Just Bagels delivers real New York bagels free to all 50 states. Use code “news” at justbagels.com for 10% off your order.

‍

Going forward, Trump faces sentencing on July 11, 2024. Falsifying records is the lowest tier of felony charges, resulting in a maximum of 4 years in prison, though it is uncertain whether the prosecution will seek prison time at all. In the meantime, Trump and his lawyer are working on an appeal as Trump continues to maintain his innocence. The conviction doesn’t stop Trump from running for office, however, and his daughter in law said that he will continue doing virtual rallies and campaign events if he’s given house arrest. 

‍

Have a wonderful Monday and thank you for listening to Current2 Politics, your inside scoop on the issues that matter.

‍

‍

Breakdown of the 34 counts (NPR)

Why was Trump charged with felonies? (CBS)

How the guilty verdict may impact the 2024 election (PBS)