Trump found guilty on all counts in first-ever criminal trial of a former president

5 months ago 4
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A New York City jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on several counts of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments ahead of the 2016 presidential records, according to breaking reports.

Jurors spent fewer than 11 hours deliberating and had only a few specific questions. One related to the testimony of former National Enquirer/AMI chief David Pecker and another requested a re-reading of the jury instructions.

At the close of the second day of deliberation, the jury was told that they would be sent home at 6 p.m. EST. The judge announced that he would allow jurors to go home at approximately 4:30 p.m., and the jurors responded by saying they have a verdict and need about 30 minutes to fill out the form, MSNBC reported on air.

The historic decision represents the first time a panel of jurors determined the guilty of a former president on criminal charges.

Trump maintained his innocence throughout the six-week trial that saw a former fixer, adult film star, and ex-tabloid publisher take the stand to testify about catch-and-kill schemes linked to salacious stories and six-figure payments made in secret.

Dramatic moments saw Stormy Daniels turning the tables on Trump attorney Susan Necheles, Michael Cohen admitting he stole from Trump, and Hope Hicks bursting into sudden tears.

A furious Justice Juan Merchan made the "unbelievable" decision to clear his courtroom to chastise one of Trump's two defense witnesses, attorney Robert Costello.

Quieter moments saw Trump taking frequent "bonafide" naps, or, as he put it, closing his "beautiful blue eyes."

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Spectators also saw Trump dragging family members and MAGA Republican allies to stand behind him, sometimes even in matching blue blazers and red ties, in Manhattan criminal court.

While even Oscar-winner Robert De Niro made an appearance outside the courthouse, Trump's wife Melania was notably absent.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's criminal case, the first to go to trial, is one of four the former president faces.

Trump also stands accused of election racketeering in Georgia, election interference in Washington D.C., and Espionage Act violations in Florida.

In each, Trump has pleaded not guilty and raised the specter of a political witch hunt targeting President Joe Biden's chief political rival in the upcoming presidential election.

ALSO READ: Trump vs. history: Former presidents typically implode on their comeback tours

Jurors began deliberations on Wednesday.

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