Donald Trump Becomes First Ex-US President Convicted of a Crime in Hush Money Scheme

A New York jury has convicted former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, concluding his weekslong trial and ushering in a new phase of the historic case. Trump, now the first former US president convicted of a crime, faces the possibility of a prison sentence or probation for his involvement in a hush money payment scheme ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump's sentencing on July 11. Until then, Trump will remain free, as prosecutors did not request a bond. Known for his lengthy legal battles, Trump is expected to appeal the conviction, which could delay his sentencing.

Despite his conviction, Trump remains eligible to run for president. According to UCLA law professor Richard L. Hasen, the US Constitution does not bar a convicted criminal from running for the nation’s highest office, provided they meet the age, citizenship, and residency requirements.

As a Florida resident, Trump’s right to vote in the state will depend on whether he is sentenced to prison and if he completes his sentence before the election. Florida’s felon voting prohibitions apply to out-of-state convictions, but the state defers to the laws of the state where the conviction occurred regarding the restoration of voting rights.

Following the conviction, Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, requested an acquittal of the charges, which Judge Merchan denied. As Trump prepares for an appeal, the case’s implications on his political future and personal freedoms will continue to unfold in the coming months.