Politics
Trump convicted: Calls NYC guilty verdict result of "rigged system," says "real verdict" will come election day
The verdict is historic since it is marked as the first time in American history a former president was prosecuted, tried and convicted of a crime
May 30, 2024 5:28pm
Updated: May 30, 2024 5:28pm
Former President Donald Trump’s was found guilty by a New York City jury in a hush money trial that concluded earlier this week.
Several jurors averted their eyes downward as the verdict is read, according to a report published by CNN. Others kept their gaze focused on the judge, Juan Merchan.
Exiting of the courtroom Trump made a brief statement, saying:
“This was a disgrace, this was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt … they wouldn’t’ give us a venue change we were at five percent or six percent in this area.
“This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be November fifth by the people … they know what happened here, everyone knows what happens here.
“This was a Soros backed DA … we didn’t do a thing wrong … I’m an innocent man … our whole country is being rigged. This was being done by the Biden administration to hurt a political opponent … it’s a disgrace but I’ll keep fighting and we’ll win. We don’t have the same country anymore…”
The 34 counts originated from 11 checks, 12 vouchers and 11 invoices that constitute Trump’s monthly reimbursement payments to his then lawyer, Michael Cohen, who prosecutors alleged was used as a liaison to make a $130,000 payment to adult entertainment actress Stormy Daniels.
Trump stared directly forward, motionless, as the jury foreperson read the verdict in court. CNN reported that the former president frowned after the verdict was read but remained silent as Judge Merchan thanked the jurors for their service.
Sentencing has been scheduled for July 11.
The national news network reported that two thirds of Americans said the verdict would not impact their vote one way or another but added that another poll suggested that number shifted among independents.
House speaker Mike Johnson made an announcement shortly after the verdict was read, saying this was “a shameful day in our nation’s history” while calling the decision the “weaponization” of the legal system.
