After a five-week trial, former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments. The verdict came as a surprise to many in the courtroom, who were not expecting it on the second day of jury deliberations. When the jury reached a verdict, there was an audible gasp in the courtroom, and reporters were instructed to remain quiet as the verdict was read. The former president appeared to be in a good mood before the verdict was announced, but had a red-faced, angry expression when he left the courtroom after the guilty verdict was read.
Reporters in the courtroom did not have a clear view of Trump’s face when the verdict was read as they were sitting behind him. The video feed of the defense table was cut, so they could not see his immediate reaction. The jury appeared expressionless, and there was no audible reaction from them or the court. The defense attempted to file a motion for acquittal, which was denied, and there was no visible reaction from the prosecutors. Trump was seen trying to have a father-son moment with his son Eric but appeared sweaty and angry as he left the courtroom after the guilty verdict was read. He later spoke to cameras outside the courtroom, calling the trial “rigged” and “a disgrace.”
The judge dismissed the jury following the guilty verdict and stated that it was up to them whether they chose to speak publicly about the trial. Sentencing was scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m. The former president’s demeanor throughout the trial was noted, with his eyes often closed, giving the impression that he was disinterested. There were moments of tension in the courtroom as the verdict was read, and it was clear that both the defense and prosecution were prepared for the outcome. Trump’s reaction to the guilty verdict was one of anger and frustration, as he continued to maintain his innocence in front of the cameras outside the courtroom.
Overall, the atmosphere in the courtroom when Trump was found guilty was tense and dramatic. The unexpected announcement of a verdict caught many by surprise, and there was a sense of disbelief among those present. The former president’s demeanor during the trial and after the verdict was one of defiance and anger, as he continued to claim that the trial was rigged. The judge’s instructions to the jury about speaking publicly after the trial added to the anticipation surrounding the sentencing date. The guilty verdict has significant implications for Trump’s future and the ongoing investigations into his business practices. It remains to be seen how this trial will impact his political career and public perception in the coming months.
