Former US President Donald Trump faces 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in relation to hush money paid to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.
Jurors in New York are currently deliberating in a closed-door session to decide if Trump will become the first former US president convicted of a crime. The charges stem from a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to Daniels during the final weeks of the 2016 election.
If found guilty, Trump’s conviction could impact his 2024 presidential aspirations. However, even a conviction would not prevent him from running for or holding office.
A convicted president?
The outcome of the trial could sway independent and Republican support for Trump in the upcoming elections. Opinion polls currently show a close race between Trump and the incumbent Democratic President Joe Biden.
The trial featured testimony from Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, with prosecutors arguing that Trump’s actions may have influenced the 2016 election results. Trump has maintained his innocence, claiming the trial is a politically motivated attack.