On Thursday, former President Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. He was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Each count carries a maximum punishment of a $5,000 fine and a four-year prison sentence, but the severity of his sentence is up to the judge. Although it is unclear whether Trump will face prison time, there is currently no law in the country that prevents a convicted and sentenced felon from running for President.
Trump’s sentencing hearing will be on July 11, four days before the Republican National Committee’s convention is scheduled to start. He is expected to be officially nominated as the Republican Party’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election at this convention, regardless of the conviction and sentencing
During the trial, Daniels provided testimony of her sexual encounter with the former president, dating back to 2006, claiming to have been legally and physically threatened before finally accepting a payment of $130,000. Trump sought to deceive the American people to favor his 2016 electoral campaign, falsifying records to conceal his infidelity and misconduct.
Though Trump’s supporters may criticize the jury’s decision, this conviction sees partial justice served and credibly exposes his character as a manipulator, a cheat and a liar. Regardless of how he is sentenced, these convictions are jotted down in the history books next to Trump’s name as just one of many reasons why he was and is an embarrassment to the office of the President.
As it stands, citizens are faced with an unprecedented situation in American history and must keep themselves informed as these events progress. Texas residents that are eligible to vote and are not yet registered must fill out an application, which can be found on the webpage of the Texas State Department and must turn it in to their county election office within 30 days. Registered voters can update their information online. The Bexar County Elections Department is located at 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78207.
