Former President Donald Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts in New York
On May 30, 2024, a New York jury found former U.S. President Donald Trump guilty of all 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. The charges stem from an attempt to cover up a payment to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This conviction marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been criminally convicted.
Following the six-week trial, which included testimonies from 22 witnesses, including Daniels, Trump vehemently denied the charges, labeling the trial as "rigged" and accusing the Biden administration of using the judicial process to undermine him politically. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, where he could face up to four years in prison and significant fines.
The ruling has stirred reactions both domestically and internationally. Chinese social media platforms, heavily censored and dominated by nationalistic voices, saw this event as a significant talking point. Commentary ranged from suggestions of a U.S. decline to jokes about Trump aiding China's global rise during his presidency.
American media and political commentators have weighed in, with notable figures like Tucker Carlson describing the situation as indicative of the U.S. descending into a "Third World" status. Carlson expressed the belief that the conviction would not impede Trump's political ambitions, predicting that he could still secure the presidency in the upcoming election.
The Biden administration reiterated that "no one is above the law," underscoring the rule of law’s importance in the American democratic system.
Trump’s legal battles are far from over, with several other cases pending. The political and societal implications of this conviction continue to unfold as the U.S. grapples with unprecedented legal and political scenarios.