Joe Palazzolo, an investigative reporter at The Wall Street Journal known for covering Trump’s hush-money case, joins legal reporter Corinne Ramey as they dive into the guilty verdict against the former president. They explore the origins of the investigation, detailing the complexities of media tactics and significant journalistic breakthroughs. Ramey recounts the courtroom drama as the verdict was announced, discussing its political repercussions and implications for future elections and Trump’s fundraising efforts.
The investigation into Trump's hush money transactions revealed his direct authorization, implicating him in the cover-up.
The guilty verdict on all counts against Trump raises uncertainties for his political future and upcoming elections.
Deep dives
Trump Found Guilty on 34 Counts
Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts for falsifying records to cover up hush money paid to Stormy Daniels. Despite maintaining his innocence during the trial, Trump faces sentencing in July, raising uncertainties about the impact on the upcoming election. The investigation stemmed from a tip about payments to women linked to Trump, leading to revelations about hush money transactions involving playmates like Karen McDougall and adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Uncovering Payment Connections
Initial investigations connected Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, to payments intended to silence Stormy Daniels. Through intensive research and following leads, the Wall Street Journal team uncovered Cohen's involvement in creating shell companies to facilitate these payments. Subsequent reporting revealed Trump's direct authorization and involvement in orchestrating the hush money transactions, implicating him in the cover-up.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict Impact
The legal proceedings culminated in Trump's conviction on 34 counts, marking him as the first US president to be a felon. Prosecutors highlighted the payments as part of a larger scheme to influence the 2016 election unlawfully. The verdict sets the stage for Trump's sentencing in July, with potential implications for his political future, as he retains the ability to run for office despite his felony conviction.
A New York jury has found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 charges. WSJ reporter Joe Palazzolo recalls the original investigation that eventually led to Thursday's conviction, and legal reporter Corinne Ramey describes the scene as the verdict came down.