Less than forty minutes to write American history: Donald Trump has officially become a convicted felon. The verdict was read by New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, upholding the conviction in the Stormy Daniels case.
Trump was found guilty of thirty-four felony counts related to the black market payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, who in 2016, during the election campaign, had threatened to reveal their sexual relationship. Despite the conviction, Merchan opted for an “unconditional suspension of sentence,” excluding any sanctions but upholding the guilt established by the popular jury last May.
The judge based his decision on the results of the presidential election, explaining that “it was the citizens of this nation who decided that he should enjoy protections such as the supremacy clause and presidential immunity.” However, he stressed that “being elected president does not mitigate a crime or excuse the commission of a crime.”
Trump, joined by his lawyer Todd Blanche from Mar-a-Lago, called the trial a “farce” and a “witch hunt,” announcing his intention to appeal. “It shouldn’t have even been brought to court,” Trump said. “A lot of experts and constitutional scholars have said that. It was done to ruin my reputation, and it failed.” He recalled his election victory on November 5, noting that “the citizens saw the case firsthand and voted for me.”
Although New York state law does not allow an appeal of this ruling, Trump is determined to overturn the decision using all the means at his disposal, including the Department of Justice. Blanche, recently appointed deputy attorney general, will be crucial in this legal battle.
The hearing moved quickly in a courtroom filled only with journalists, while outside the Manhattan Supreme Court, supporters of Trump reaffirmed their confidence in the new president. Trump will enter the White House as a convicted president, but with the undiminished support of his electoral base.
Article published on 10 January 2025 - 19:07
Video Chronicles
Trump's conviction is news that leaves many questions, especially because justice seems to have double standards. Even though he received a suspended sentence, the issue remains complex and controversial.