New York [US], May 31 (HBTV): A Manhattan jury convicted Donald Trump, the former president and presumptive 2024 Republican nominee on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a case stemming from a New York hush money criminal trial that silenced a porn star, CNN reported.  

This verdict marks a historic moment as Trump becomes the first president in US history to be convicted of a felony. 

Prosecutors leveled accusations against Trump, alleging his involvement in an illegal conspiracy aimed at undermining the integrity of the 2016 election and suppressing negative information. Central to the case was the concealment of a hush money payment made to an adult film star. 

Following the jury's decision, Trump vehemently denounced the trial, labeling it a "disgrace" and decrying it as "rigged."

"We didn't do a thing wrong. I'm a very innocent man," Trump asserted, expressing his dissatisfaction after leaving the courtroom. Despite the guilty verdict, Trump maintained his innocence, positioning the upcoming general election as the true measure of public opinion on the matter. "The real verdict is going to be on November 5 by the people," he declared.   

Trump also directed criticism towards the Manhattan District Attorney and the Biden administration, baselessly claiming their influence over the case.  

In a separate statement, Trump's legal team vowed to challenge the verdict, but Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump's motion for an acquittal and scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 11.  

The trial centred on allegations surrounding a hush money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in connection with this scheme, encompassing 34 felony counts. 

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.