On May 30, 2024, a New York jury found former U.S. President Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records. This verdict makes Trump the first former president to be criminally convicted. The charges stem from a scheme involving a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The trial took place in Manhattan, where Trump vehemently accused the process and verdict of being politically motivated. He delivered remarks from Trump Tower in Manhattan, denouncing the case as “rigged” and claimed political persecution without presenting evidence. Despite the conviction, Trump continued to assert his innocence and criticized the judicial system, the judge, and key prosecution witness Michael Cohen, his former lawyer.

The trial saw the testimony of 22 witnesses, including Daniels, who recounted her alleged encounter with Trump in 2006, and Michael Cohen, who described the efforts to conceal the payment. Hope Hicks and Madeleine Westerhout, former White House aides, also testified, describing the campaign’s attempts to manage other potential scandals.

Following the verdict, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other prominent Republicans rallied in support of Trump, calling for the Supreme Court to intervene in the appeals process, citing concerns about public confidence in the justice system. Trump is scheduled for sentencing on July 11, 2024, facing penalties that could range from a fine to up to four years in prison.

Despite the conviction, Trump remains eligible to run for president in the 2024 election and has continued to mobilize his base, already raising significant funds from supporters following the verdict. The case has polarized public opinion and intensified political tensions as the election approaches.