Trump trial: Biden calls Trump's remarks 'dangerous'

Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts in his hush money trial.

Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been convicted on criminal charges.

Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.


Trump guilty on all 34 counts


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Jury again hears about witnesses and reasonable doubt

As Judge Merchan reread the jury instructions, the jury again hears what exactly is reasonable doubt in the eyes of the law.

"A reasonable doubt is an honest doubt of the defendant's guilt for which a reason exists based upon the nature and quality of the evidence. It is an actual doubt, not an imaginary doubt. It is a doubt that a reasonable person, acting in a matter of this importance, would be likely to entertain because of the evidence that was presented or because of the lack of convincing evidence," Merchan said.

The jury also heard again how to judge the credibility of a witness.

"You must decide whether a witness told the truth and was accurate, or instead, testified falsely or was mistaken," Merchan said.
Trump's team had hammered the credibility of Michael Cohen, saying he had an "ax to grind" -- and who they will rehear testimony from again later this morning.

"You may consider whether a witness had, or did not have, a motive to lie," Merchan instructed them. "If a witness had a motive to lie, you may consider whether and to what extent, if any, that motive affected the truthfulness of that witness's testimony."


Judge rereads instructions on Trump's decision not to testify

Jurors are paying close attention as Judge Merchan rereads his instructions. Some are taking notes with a few nodding along with him as he reads.

The jury again hears from Merchan that they should not draw negative inferences from Trump's decision not to testify.

"The fact that the defendant did not testify is not a factor from which any inference unfavorable to the defendant may be drawn," Merchan said. "The defendant is not required to prove that he is not guilty. In fact, the defendant is not required to prove or disprove anything. To the contrary, the People have the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."

Trump, at the defense table, is reclined in his chair but angled to face Merchan.


Requested instructions involve drawing evidentiary inferences

The jury specifically requested to hear the portion of the jury instruction that compared the drawing of inferences to concluding that a rain storm had passed outside.

They read as follows:

In evaluating the evidence, you may consider any fact that is proven and any inference which may be drawn from such fact. To draw an inference means to infer, find, conclude that a fact exists or does not exist based upon proof of some other fact or facts.

For example, suppose you go to bed one night when it is not raining and when you wake up in the morning, you look out your window; you do not see rain, but you see that the street and sidewalk are wet, and that people are wearing raincoats and carrying umbrellas.

Under those circumstances, it may be reasonable to infer, that is conclude, that it rained during the night. In other words, the fact of it having rained while you were asleep is an inference that might be drawn from the proven facts of the presence of the water on the street and sidewalk, and people in raincoats and carrying umbrellas.

An inference must only be drawn from a proven fact or facts and then only if the inference flows naturally, reasonably, and logically from the proven fact or facts, not if it is speculative. Therefore, in deciding whether to draw an inference, you must look at and consider all the facts in the light of reason, common sense, and experience.


Judge begins rereading jury instructions

The jury entered the courtroom, and Judge Merchan began by reading back their two notes from yesterday.

In preparation for the reading of the transcript, the judge said, "We are ready to read it back to you in one minute."

Trump, at the defense table, briefly looked over at the jury.

Asked by Merchan whether they wanted the transcript or instructions first, the jury foreman responded to Merchan in open court that the jury would like the "Instructions first."

Merchan then began rereading the instructions, beginning on page 6.


Verdict breakdown by count

Former President Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in order to hide a hush money payment to boost his prospects in the 2016 election. Here are each of the records he was charged with falsifying, and the verdict for each.

1) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Feb. 14, 2017 - GUILTY

2) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust on or about Feb. 14, 2017 - GUILTY

3) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust on or about Feb. 14, 2017 - GUILTY

4) A Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust Account check and check stub dated Feb. 14, 2017 - GUILTY

5) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Feb. 16, 2017 and transmitted on or about March 16, 2017 - GUILTY

6) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust on or about March 17, 2017 - GUILTY

7) A Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust Account check and check stub dated March 17, 2017 - GUILTY

8) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated April 13, 2017 - GUILTY

9) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about June 19, 2017 - GUILTY

10) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated June 19, 2017 - GUILTY

11) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated May 22, 2017 - GUILTY

12) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about May 22, 2017 - GUILTY

13) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated May 23, 2017 - GUILTY

14) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated June 16, 2017 - GUILTY

15) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about June 19, 2017 - GUILTY

16) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated June 19, 2017 - GUILTY

17) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated July 11, 2017 - GUILTY

18) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about July 11, 2017 - GUILTY

19) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated July 11, 2017 - GUILTY

20) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Aug. 1, 2017 - GUILTY

21) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about Aug. 1, 2017 - GUILTY

22) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated Aug. 1, 2017 - GUILTY

23) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Sept. 11, 2017 - GUILTY

24) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about Sept. 11, 2017 - GUILTY

25) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated Sept. 12, 2017 - GUILTY

26) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Oct. 18, 2017 - GUILTY

27) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about Oct. 18, 2017 - GUILTY

28) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated Oct. 18, 2017 - GUILTY

29) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Nov. 20, 2017 - GUILTY

30) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about Nov. 20, 2017 - GUILTY

31) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated Nov. 21, 2017 - GUILTY

32) An invoice from Michael Cohen dated Dec. 1, 2017 - GUILTY

33) An entry in the Detail General Ledger for Donald J. Trump on or about Dec. 1, 2017 - GUILTY

34) A Donald J. Trump account check and check stub dated Dec. 5, 2017 - GUILTY