Donald Trump found guilty in Hush money trial

Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted in the country’s history after found guilty in all 34 counts in his New York criminal hush money trial.

As well as he is the first presumptive major-party nominee to become a convicted felon as well.

Though, the billionaire plans to appeal in the hush-money case and awaits a sentence on 11 July that could in theory include prison time and a hefty fine.

For now, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan allowed him to remain free without any need for bail.

Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination earlier this year and is scheduled to be crowned at the party’s convention just days after his sentencing.

As far as case is concerned, it is centred on allegations that he falsified business records to hide a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Prosecutors initially alleged that the former president falsified the records to conceal unlawfully interfering in the 2016 polls through the $130,000 hush money payment.

The trial lasted for over six weeks against him. Trump’s conviction marks another historic moment, with an uncertain impact on the 2024 presidential election.

What will happen now

Despite the conviction, Trump can still run for the White House.

Ilya Somin, a professor of law at George Mason University was quoted by The Hillas saying: “It is certainly true that being convicted or even being in prison doesn’t prevent you from running for president or even from being elected.”

“Assuming the office, though, would be a difficult situation if the president were in prison.”