Donald Trump Found Guilty in Historic Hush-Money Trial

The verdict was announced after a seven-week trial, with prosecutors calling nearly two dozen witnesses to testify. The jury delivered the verdict on Thursday afternoon, finding Trump guilty of concealing the payment to improve his chances in the election.

Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued that the trial was "rigged" and that the real verdict would be determined by voters in the November election. However, Judge Juan Merchan denied the defense's request to have the verdict nullified, citing problems with key testimony from Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen.

The guilty verdict has sparked reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Republicans have rallied around Trump, questioning the decision and its political implications. Democrats, on the other hand, have hailed the verdict as a sign of accountability and a reminder that no one is above the law.

The verdict is likely to have significant implications for the upcoming election. Political analysts say that Trump's conviction could hurt his appeal among independent voters who may be turned off by his reputation for dishonesty. However, Trump's base may still rally around him, seeing the verdict as a political witch hunt.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office has scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 11, which will determine Trump's punishment. While Trump could face up to four years in prison for each felony count, it is unlikely that he will serve time behind bars.

In a statement, Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., called the verdict "a shameful day in American history" and appealed to voters to back his father in the upcoming election. The Biden campaign, on the other hand, celebrated the verdict as a reminder that no one is above the law and urged voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

The verdict has also had an impact on financial markets, with shares in Trump Media & Technology Group dipping by 14% in response to the news.