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Donald Trump was found guilty on all counts in the so-called hush money case. The trial, which has lasted several weeks, has revolved around whether Trump paid porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election and falsified the accounts to conceal money transfers.

A presidential candidate with a prison sentence

The sentencing has not yet been decided, but it could result in a prison sentence for Trump. This is the first time in history that a presidential candidate who has been sentenced to prison is running for president. The Republican Party is likely to nominate Trump anyway, claiming that the verdict is politically motivated. What the court decision in New York will mean for Trump’s support is uncertain. Trump’s loyal core voters will not be swayed by the verdict. The big question is what it will mean for the many undecided voters.

It is also uncertain how the many Christian voters in the USA will react to this verdict in the hush money case. It’s one thing for a president to be found guilty of concealing money transfers, it’s another thing for him to be found guilty of what he tried to hide. Sexual intercourse with a porn actor is hardly what the religious part of America wants.

The verdict in the hush money case will be appealed

That Donald Trump will appeal the verdict is fairly certain. We could then have an ongoing legal process throughout the election campaign. There is reason to believe that much of the election campaign will revolve around this verdict, Trump’s alleged political judgment and democracy in the US.

The lack of respect for the court is obvious. Trump has the right to appeal, but the contempt of court he shows is less good. In a democracy, the distinction between judicial bodies and political decisions is important and necessary. The court is tasked with ensuring that the laws passed by the legislative assembly are followed. When Trump claims that the verdict is political, he is in fact claiming that the courts are not independent. The US is divided politically. A division that Trump himself is the architect of.

Sources:

Donald Trump found guilty on all counts in ‘hush money’ trial (ft.com)

Trump trial live: Donald Trump found guilty in historic criminal trial – BBC News

Trump Guilty on All Counts in Hush-Money Case – The New York Times (nytimes.com)