Former U.S. President Donald Trump made history on May 30, as a New York jury convicted him of business fraud, marking the first such conviction ever. With 34 charges against him for concealing a payment to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign, Trump faced a potential 136-year sentence, although he could receive parole and plans to appeal.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention nominates a presidential candidate, sparking debates about political manipulation due to the timing. After denouncing the trial as a “disgrace” and “rigged,” Trump criticized Judge Juan Merchan upon leaving the courthouse.
The trial heavily involved Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who testified that Trump approved payments to Daniels to avoid a scandal during his campaign. The trial’s timing close to the election raised questions about whether the charges address misconduct or target Trump’s political influence.
As this event unfolds, it not only impacts Trump’s future but also has broader implications on the political landscape, blurring the lines between legal and political realms and emphasizing America’s deep political divisions.