NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to appeal the guilty verdict that has made him the first U.S. president convicted of a crime. The appeal will be filed after his sentencing, scheduled for July 11.
Trump Denounces Trial as Politically Motivated
In a speech delivered from the Trump Tower lobby in Manhattan—where he launched his first presidential campaign in 2015—Trump reiterated his stance that the trial was an effort to derail his 2024 White House bid. “If they can do this to me, they can do this to anyone,” Trump declared in his unscripted 33-minute address. Despite being met with applause from supporters, he did not take questions from the press.
Historic Implications Ahead of 2024 Election
The guilty verdict comes at a critical juncture, as Trump, 77, aims to reclaim the presidency from Democratic President Joe Biden, 81, in the upcoming November 5 election. The conviction pertains to falsifying business records, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of four years in prison. Typically, this offense results in shorter sentences, fines, or probation. However, Trump’s public criticisms of jurors and witnesses during the trial, which led to a $10,000 fine by Justice Juan Merchan, might result in a harsher sentence, according to former New York prosecutor Rebecca Roiphe.
Appeal Process and Political Implications
The sentence will likely be suspended pending the appeals process. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a close ally, expressed confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court would eventually overturn the verdict, stating on Fox News, “I think they’ll set this straight, but it’s going to take a while.”
Incarceration would not hinder Trump’s campaign efforts or his potential return to office if he wins. His sentencing on July 11 is just days before the Republican Party’s convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated as their presidential candidate.
Details of the Conviction
Trump was convicted on 34 criminal counts of falsifying documents to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, intended to influence the 2016 election outcome. In that election, Trump triumphed over Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Trump is also facing three other criminal prosecutions—two related to his attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss. However, the New York verdict could be the only one concluded before the election due to legal delays in the other cases. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, dismissing them as politically driven.