Donald Trump Found Guilty on All Counts in Hush Money Trial: Can He Still Run for President?

Former US President Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts in his hush money trial.

As questions arise regarding his eligibility for future presidential campaigns, it’s essential to examine the legal implications of his conviction.

Courtroom sketch shows Justice Juan Merchan instructing the jury before deliberations as former President Donald Trump looks on during his criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016 (Picture: Reuters)

The US Constitution sets forth clear criteria for presidential candidates, requiring them to be at least 35 years old, natural-born citizens, and residents of the country for a minimum of 14 years.

However, it does not explicitly address restrictions related to a criminal record, leaving room for interpretation.

 race regardless of the verdict.

Ex-President Donald Trump attends his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on the day jurors begin deliberating (Picture: Getty Images)

Ex-President Donald Trump (left) has denied a sexual affair with porn star Stormy Daniels (Picture: Myspace/Stormy Daniels)

Given this legal framework, Trump remains eligible to run for president despite his conviction in the Manhattan Criminal Court.

The trial focused on a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence her about an alleged sexual affair.

Trump, who pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records and denied involvement in the payment or the alleged affair, faces potential imprisonment ranging from probation to four years.

While being incarcerated wouldn’t disqualify him from running for office, the scenario poses unprecedented challenges and legal uncertainties.

Legal experts acknowledge the unprecedented nature of Trump’s situation, with Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson stating, “I don’t think that the framers (of the Constitution) ever thought we were going to be in this situation.”

Similarly, Erwin Chemerinsky, a constitutional law expert at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasises the complexity of the matter, describing it as “just guessing.”

Despite the conviction and potential legal hurdles, Trump’s political ambitions remain intact.

Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump had vowed to continue his 2024 campaign regardless of the outcome of the hush money trial (Picture: Getty Images)

While his eligibility for future presidential campaigns may be subject to debate and interpretation, the verdict marks a significant milestone in US legal and political history.

Furthermore, Trump’s supporters have rallied behind him, viewing the trial as politically motivated and aiming to undermine his potential candidacy. They argue that the legal proceedings have been tainted by bias and contend that Trump’s commitment to his political agenda remains steadfast.

However, critics assert that Trump’s conviction underscores the importance of accountability and integrity in political leadership.

They argue that his actions, as outlined in the trial, raise serious concerns about ethical standards and transparency, casting doubt on his suitability for public office.

As the debate over Trump’s future unfolds, the implications of his conviction reverberate across the political landscape, shaping discussions on law, governance, and democratic norms.

Sola Adeniji

News Reporter, Freelancer, and content creator

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