Former US president Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 felony counts in hush-money trial
In a historic verdict that has implications for the coming US election, a New York jury has found Donald Trump guilty of falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star, making him the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.
Here’s a summary of events:
- A New York jury has found Donald Trump guilty in a hush-money case, making him the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.
- Trump has been convicted on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in relation to a hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
- The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, is expected to announce his sentencing decision on July 11.
- Trump faces a maximum sentence of four years for each felony but experts say it is unlikely he will get jail time. H e could receive probation or community service.
Motto alive and well
Here’s a throwback to Trump’s vow last year. Pretty sure he won’t be surrendering on this one either!
US consulate vandalised
The United States Consulate in Melbourne and the offices of several members of parliament have been targeted in acts of vandalism.
Victoria police say red paint was thrown at the offices from 4am on Friday and have vowed to “thoroughly” investigate the incidents.
The building housing the United States Consulate General on St Kilda Road in Melbourne was covered in red paint and several foyer windows were smashed.
Now what for criminal Trump?
Donald Trump, the first former US president to be convicted of a crime, will remain a free man while he awaits sentencing and could avoid a prison term entirely for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star.
Read the full story HERE
What happens now for jurors
Having delivered their verdict, finding Trump guilty on 34 felony charges of falsifying records to conceal a sex scandal, the jurors in his trial will now return to their day jobs.
The transition is likely to be a disorienting one, said Marc J. Whiten, a retired New York criminal court judge in Manhattan and the Bronx - Washington Post
Read the full story HERE
Trump verdict won’t affect our relationship with US
Senior figures from both sides of Australian politics have insisted the Trump verdict and its impact on the US election won’t influence our relationship with our close ally.
Speaking in the moments after the shock verdict was handed down, Education Minister Jason Clare said “it’s the biggest news in the world that’s happening right now”.
“We haven’t seen anything like this before,” he said.
“I’m reticent to comment on court proceedings in another country or to say anything about the domestic politics of the United States. Obviously, it’s a decision for the American people to make later this year about the next president.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said: “the relationship we have with the US is more important and bigger than any one individual, any one leader or any one government”.
Trump media shares tumble
Trump Media shares fell as much as 15% in extended trading on Thursday after a New York jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his criminal hush money trial.
The stock, which trades under the ticker “DJT,” recovered slightly as trading continued, but remained down about 9% in the early evening.
The former president owns 65% of the company’s shares.
Verdict will ‘rev-up’ Trump supporters
Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the former president will likely use the verdict to rev-up the Republican base ahead of the “exciting” US November election.
Explaining that Trump was “despised” in New York where the jury trial was held, Mr Dutton said the verdict would further divide America.
“If you look back to 2016, he won no electoral votes in New York. He’s despised there,” Mr Dutton said on breakfast television.
“There’s obviously two tribes here and the one tribe who detest him and hate him. And you saw some of the emotion in some of the interviews, just then.
“And the other tribe, love him and adore him, and for different reasons on both sides. And all it will do is reinforce the views on both of those camps, but obviously it will make for an even more exciting election, I suppose, in November.”
Trump found guilty in historic case
A jury has convicted Donald Trump of falsifying business records to conceal hush money paid to a porn star.
A New York jury found former President Trump guilty of all 34 felony charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels by his then-personal lawyer before the 2016 election.
Trump has reacted angrily, calling the verdict a disgrace.
“This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who is corrupt. It’s a rigged trial. A disgrace.” Trump said.
