What's Happening

Law

Trump Becomes the First Former US President to be Convicted of a Crime

What's going on: Yesterday, a Manhattan jury found former President Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors in the New York hush money trial accused Trump of misclassifying payments to hide an alleged sex scandal that could have derailed his 2016 presidential bid. The historic verdict from the 12 jurors came after two days of deliberations. Trump — who pleaded not guilty in the case — called his trial a “disgrace” and said it was “a rigged decision right from day one.”

What's next legally: Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11 — four days before the Republican National Convention begins. He could face a maximum of four years in prison for each felony count, which would likely be served concurrently. Some legal experts say Trump, as a first-time offender of a nonviolent crime, is unlikely to serve time and may instead face home confinement, probation, or supervised release. In the meantime, Trump is likely to appeal his conviction, a process that could stretch beyond the election.

Related: Trump’s Campaign Tried to Cash In on the Verdict (The Hill)

Politics

This Election's Going to Be Different

What's going on: The sweeping guilty verdict against former President Trump does not disqualify him from running for or holding the Oval Office (though, he wouldn't be able to pardon himself if reelected). As Trump tries to win back the White House, pollsters and campaigns are working to assess the potential political fallout of his conviction — and whether adding “convicted felon” to his resume affects the former president’s chances.

What it means: No one knows. This is an unprecedented moment in American history. The former president still has a strong grip on the Republican Party, as he’s easily swept the primaries this year. Recently, polling found that a guilty verdict wouldn't sway two-thirds of voters, and only 17% said they would be less likely to vote for Trump. The one thing Biden and Trump can agree on is that it’s up to the voters in November to decide what happens — and how much they care about the conviction.

Related: Can Trump Vote For Himself In November? (Politico)

US News

The Response to Trump's Conviction

Who's saying what: Republicans quickly rallied behind their party’s presumptive nominee. On social media, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called the verdict a “weaponization” of the justice system and said “this was a purely political exercise, not a legal one.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) posted an upside down American flag, a known symbol of the “Stop the Steal” movement. (No word on any flags at the Alito residence.) Meanwhile, Democrats called the verdict justice in action. President Biden’s campaign said “Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law.”

What it means: The statements from both Republicans and Democrats fell along partisan lines. While politicians stayed predictable, the internet did what it does best. Everyone from Encyclopedia Britannica to Club Chalamet weighed in. While others joked about how their friend groups reacted to the news and how the jury was able to reach a decision so quickly.

Related: All the Memes the Trump Verdict Has Inspired…So Far (Vulture)