Donald Trump Was Smiling And Laughing Before Judge Convicted Him Of 34 Felonies
Donald Trump's mood changed when he heard the verdict of the hush money trial, according to a report.
After weeks of deliberation, the criminal trial against the former president related to allegations that he and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, falsified records to cover up reimbursements Trump made to Cohen ended. The latter allegedly gave porn star Stormy Daniels -- real name Stephanie Clifford -- "hush money" to silence her from disclosing her alleged affair with Melania Trump's husband. Trump was reportedly in good spirits before he heard the verdict.
The ex-POTUS was seen smiling and laughing with his lawyer, Todd Blanche, while they waited for Judge Juan Merchan to announce the verdict on Thursday, CNN reported.
Merchan returned to the bench at 4:13 p.m. ET and warned the parties and the audience against "reactions" or "outbursts of any kind" before the jury returned and entered. The lawyers were silent and serious when the verdict was read, where Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony charges, making him the first U.S. president to be tried and convicted.
Trump's facial reaction was not visible when the first guilty verdict was read because the courthouse had the video screen off when the foreman read most of the verdict. However, toward the end of the reading, the video showing the defendant's table was turned on, giving away his facial expression.
Trump reportedly sat stoned-faced with a frown. He did not react to the jury as they finished the reading. The jurors were asked to confirm the verdict individually, and Trump reportedly turned and craned his neck in their direction.
Guilty on all counts: Trump criminal conviction makes history: New York (AFP) -
— zeta panama (@zetacompa) May 31, 2024
Donald Trump on Thursday became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime after a New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months… https://t.co/SmREbkdLoA pic.twitter.com/guB59cRwal
None of the 12 panelists looked at Trump's direction when they exited the courthouse. Meanwhile, Trump was frowning, and his face was red when he walked out of the courtroom. His son, Eric, approached him, and the father and son exchanged an emotional handshake. Eric also gave his dad a pat on the back before he followed him.
Following the verdict, Trump delivered a speech calling the trial "rigged" and the judge "corrupt."
"This was a disgrace. This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt. It's a rigged trial, a disgrace," Trump said.
He repeatedly called the trial "rigged" and "disgraced." Trump also said that "the real verdict is going to be [on] November 5 by the people," referring to the 2024 elections.
