Former President Donald Trump, famous for his cameo on “Home Alone 2,” has been convicted on 34 felony counts for the falsification of business records in New York. This is a first, as no former U.S. president has ever been convicted of a crime. Charges stem from a $130,000 “hush money” payment made by Michael Cohen, the attorney working for Trump, to adult film star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election.
‘Home Alone 2: Lost In New York’ star Donald Trump has been found guilty of 34 felony counts. PIC.TWITTER.COM/9PUYNLAANB
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) MAY 30, 2024
The Finances Explained
Misrepresenting of Business Records:
Donald Trump: He’s been charged with 34 counts of first-degree falsifying business records in New York under the felony statute. Most of the charges related to the paperwork filed while seeking reimbursements to Cohen, who had himself paid Daniels to remain silent about an affair with Trump years before. Trump has denied the affair.
Compensation Process:
In 2017, Cohen and Allen Weisselberg, an executive at the Trump Organization, developed a plan to reimburse the hush money. The aggregate figure included $130,000 for Stormy Daniels, $50,000 for unrelated technology services—doubled to cover taxes—plus a $60,000 bonus for Michael Cohen himself. This brought the total reimbursement up to $420,000.
Monthly Payments:
Cohen was paid $35,000 a month all of the last year. That was charged back as ‘legal expenses’ to the Trump Organization fraudulently and is behind the 34 felony charges against Trump and the 34 foundational documents consisting of checks, invoices, and vouchers behind the charges.
The Conviction:
Prosecutors convincingly argued that Trump was well aware that the payments were to reimburse Cohen for the hush money and not for any legitimate legal services. The jury unanimously decided that it proved Trump’s serious financial misdeeds on all these counts.
What are the legal impacts and possible punishments:
This conviction can have far-reaching consequences for Trump. Up to four years for each count of the felony charge means the total imprisonment can amount to 136 years. In addition, Trump might lose the possibility of ever being elected to public office, which will shatter his political dreams.
Reactions and Analysis:
The verdict elicited enormous commentary. Legal experts demurred, arguing it was either a chilling attack on free speech or was simply holding the rich and powerful accountable. The conviction also has ramifications for a possible run for the presidency by Trump in 2024. Most commentators think that a felony conviction would remove him from consideration for federal office, and his base could interpret that as a politically motivated move against him.
Effect on Trump’s Political Future
2024 For President:
The felony convictions would also complicate a 2024 Trump presidential run potential. Although some legal experts opine that a felony conviction would serve to bar him from holding federal office, the convictions might become another bone of content with Trump’s most fervent fans, who believe that all attempts were taken to spoil his candidacy.
Character and Status:
The high-profile convictions, no doubt, have damaged Trump’s reputation and political standing, even among a few Republican voters. But to others, the guilty verdicts, in a way, may even strengthen an image of Trump that is incompatible with most people who came to support him politically.
Bring To Life:
Aside from these convictions, Trump is facing more criminal investigations that involve probes into the January 6th attack and his handling of classified documents. Such ongoing legal battles could seriously undermine what’s left of any serious 2024 bid.
Legal Claims and Appeals:
Expect Trump’s defense team to pursue every legal challenge and appeal, including procedural errors that occurred during the trial, lack of evidence, and the statute of limitations defense. They could also argue the case on constitutional grounds, claim partiality on the jury, and beg for leniency in sentencing.
Maybe, over time, the legal and political consequences of Trump’s conviction could be even more consequential, not just for his fate but for setting the American legal and political stage. For the ex-president, there is nothing to anticipate except the eyes of a nation watching him in a developing storyline.
