KATHMANDU: Former US President Donald Trump has been convicted in a significant criminal trial concerning hush-money payments, marking the first time a sitting or former US president has faced such charges. The verdict, delivered by a New York City jury after a seven-week trial, found Trump guilty on all 34 counts related to falsifying business documents in connection with payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Despite maintaining his innocence, Trump now faces potential prison sentences totaling up to four years for each felony count.

The trial, which saw nearly two dozen witnesses testify, concluded with the jury taking two days to deliberate before reaching a unanimous verdict. Trump's defense argued against the credibility of key witness Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, whose testimony was central to the prosecution's case. Despite efforts by Trump's defense team to have the verdict nullified, the judge denied their motion, leading to Trump's conviction on all counts.

The guilty verdict has immediate political ramifications, with implications for the upcoming 2024 election. While Republicans have rallied around Trump, questioning the validity of the trial and highlighting potential political motives, Democrats have emphasized the rule of law and accountability. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., decried the verdict as evidence of political manipulation, urging voters to support his father in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, members of the Biden campaign used the verdict to underscore the importance of voting to keep Trump out of office. The outcome of the trial is likely to further polarize American politics, shaping the narrative for the upcoming election cycle.