Donald Trump made history on Thursday as the first former US president to be convicted of felony crimes, when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to conceal a payment to silence a porn star before the 2016 election. The jury’s decision, after two days of deliberation, found Trump guilty on all 34 counts. Unanimity was required for the verdict.

Justice Juan Merchan scheduled sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention begins on July 15, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated as the party’s candidate for president. Despite facing a maximum sentence of four years, Trump is not barred from campaigning or taking office if elected. He has denied any wrongdoing and plans to appeal.

Outside the courtroom, Trump declared his innocence, saying, “We didn’t do a thing wrong, I am a very innocent man. We’ll keep fighting. We’ll fight to the end, and we’ll win.” He claimed the verdict was a “rigged decision” and emphasized that the true judgment would come on November 5, during the presidential election.

The conviction throws the US into uncharted waters as Trump vies for a return to the White House against Democratic President Joe Biden. Polls indicate a tight race between the two, with Reuters/Ipsos polling suggesting the guilty verdict could sway independent and Republican voters against Trump.

Following the verdict, Trump supporters gathered outside the courthouse alongside journalists, police, and onlookers. House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the verdict, calling it “a shameful day in American history.” The conviction has also spurred increased financial support for Trump from long-time donors and new backers alike.

Notably, the Trump campaign’s fundraising website, WinRed, experienced a temporary crash after the verdict. Prominent donors, including casino billionaire Miriam Adelson and hotelier Robert Bigelow, have rallied behind Trump, pledging significant financial support for his campaign efforts in key battleground states.

Bigelow, who has already contributed over $9 million to support Trump, labeled the criminal proceedings a “disgrace” and committed an additional $5 million. Former Trump ambassador to Jamaica, Don Tapia, and his network plan to donate around $250,000 this election cycle. Silicon Valley tech investor Shaun Maguire also announced a $300,000 contribution to Trump’s on social media.

This conviction marks a significant chapter in US political history, setting the stage for a highly contentious presidential election. As Trump prepares to appeal, the nation will watch closely to see how this legal battle unfolds and its impact on the upcoming election.

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