DiscoverThe Rachel Maddow ShowSpecial coverage: Donald Trump found guilty of all charges in New York hush money trial
Special coverage: Donald Trump found guilty of all charges in New York hush money trial

Special coverage: Donald Trump found guilty of all charges in New York hush money trial

Update: 2024-05-315
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This segment of the podcast covers the unanimous guilty verdict in the New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. The jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a crime he was accused of committing to conceal a scheme to corrupt the 2016 election. The verdict was read aloud in court, and the jury's signed verdict sheet, with 34 handwritten checkmarks in the guilty column, was presented to the media. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg held a press conference following the verdict, thanking the jury for their service and emphasizing the importance of their decision. The segment features reactions from MSNBC hosts and legal experts, including Nicole Wallace, Joy Reid, Katie Fang, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Michael Cohen, who was the prosecution's star witness in the trial. They discuss the significance of the verdict, the implications for Trump's future, and the potential for political backlash from Trump and his supporters. The segment also includes an interview with Michael Cohen, who discusses his experience as a witness in the trial, his relationship with Trump, and his thoughts on the defense strategy employed by Trump's legal team. Cohen also shares his perspective on the politicization of the justice system and the potential for Trump to weaponize it if he returns to the White House. The segment concludes with an interview with Congressman Jamie Raskin, who discusses the importance of the verdict as a vindication of the rule of law and the need for accountability in American politics. The segment also features an interview with Mary Trump, Donald Trump's niece, who discusses her reaction to the verdict and her thoughts on the impact it will have on her uncle and the country. She also discusses the potential for violence and the need to guard against Trump's attempts to spin the verdict to his advantage. The segment concludes with a discussion of the next steps in the legal process, including the sentencing hearing and the appeals process.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, Jonathan K. Partt and Rachel Maddow. They discuss the availability of the Saturday Show and Sunday Show as podcasts and the importance of political news and policymaking.

00:00:27
Trump Found Guilty on All Counts

This Chapter covers the unanimous guilty verdict in the New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. The jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a crime he was accused of committing to conceal a scheme to corrupt the 2016 election. The verdict was read aloud in court, and the jury's signed verdict sheet, with 34 handwritten checkmarks in the guilty column, was presented to the media. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg held a press conference following the verdict, thanking the jury for their service and emphasizing the importance of their decision.

00:21:40
Michael Cohen's Interview

This Chapter features an interview with Michael Cohen, who discusses his experience as a witness in the trial, his relationship with Trump, and his thoughts on the defense strategy employed by Trump's legal team. Cohen also shares his perspective on the politicization of the justice system and the potential for Trump to weaponize it if he returns to the White House.

01:13:40
Jamie Raskin's Interview

This Chapter concludes with an interview with Congressman Jamie Raskin, who discusses the importance of the verdict as a vindication of the rule of law and the need for accountability in American politics.

01:22:29
The Jury System and the Verdict

This Chapter discusses the significance of the jury system and the unanimous guilty verdict against Donald Trump. The hosts highlight the importance of the jury's role in upholding the rule of law and the fact that the verdict was reached by 12 citizens who were not influenced by political or partisan considerations.

01:24:14
The Supreme Court and Presidential Immunity

This Chapter discusses the Supreme Court's pending ruling on whether presidents are immune from prosecution. The hosts discuss the potential for delay and postponement from the Supreme Court and the implications of the ruling for the verdict against Trump and other pending cases against him.

01:26:32
Mary Trump's Interview

This Chapter features an interview with Mary Trump, Donald Trump's niece, who discusses her reaction to the verdict and her thoughts on the impact it will have on her uncle and the country. She also discusses the potential for violence and the need to guard against Trump's attempts to spin the verdict to his advantage.

01:28:31
Trump's History of Legal Troubles

This Chapter discusses Donald Trump's history of legal troubles, including the convictions of his close allies and the fact that he has now joined that list himself. The hosts discuss Trump's recent strategy of aligning himself with convicted felons and the potential implications of this for his political future.

01:45:19
The Next Steps in the Legal Process

This Chapter discusses the next steps in the legal process, including the sentencing hearing and the appeals process. The hosts discuss the potential for Trump to be sentenced to prison and the implications of his conviction for his political future.

01:47:56
Expert Analysis of the Legal Process

This Chapter features an interview with Catherine Christian, a former Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, who provides expert analysis of the legal process and the potential outcomes of the sentencing and appeals process.

Keywords

Donald Trump


Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He was born and raised in the New York City borough of Queens and received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Trump entered the family's real-estate business in 1971, took charge of the company in 1971, renamed it The Trump Organization, and expanded its operations from Queens and Brooklyn into Manhattan. The company built or renovated skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump later started various side ventures, mostly by licensing his name. Trump and his businesses have been involved in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six bankruptcies. Trump entered the 2016 presidential race as a Republican and defeated 16 other candidates in the primaries. His political positions have been described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. He won the general election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, despite losing the popular vote. Trump's presidency was marked by controversy, including his policies on immigration, trade, and foreign policy. He was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, but was acquitted by the Senate. He was impeached again in 2021 for inciting the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, but was again acquitted by the Senate. Trump's presidency was also marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which he downplayed and mismanaged. He lost the 2020 presidential election to Democratic nominee Joe Biden, but refused to concede the election and made false claims of widespread voter fraud. He continues to be a controversial figure in American politics.

Falsifying Business Records


Falsifying business records is a crime that involves intentionally making false entries in business records or altering existing records to conceal or misrepresent the truth. This crime is often committed to cover up other illegal activities, such as fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. The specific elements of the crime vary by jurisdiction, but generally include: 1) The creation or alteration of a business record; 2) The knowledge that the record is false; 3) The intent to defraud or deceive; and 4) The record being material to the business or transaction. Penalties for falsifying business records can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction.

Alvin Bragg


Alvin Bragg is an American lawyer who serves as the 35th Manhattan District Attorney. He was elected in 2021 and took office in January 2022. Bragg is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He previously served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and as a lawyer in private practice. Bragg is known for his progressive views on criminal justice reform. He has pledged to reduce mass incarceration, address racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and focus on alternatives to incarceration. Bragg's office has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of former President Donald Trump for falsifying business records.

Michael Cohen


Michael Cohen is an American lawyer and former businessman who served as an attorney and executive vice president for The Trump Organization from 2006 to 2018. He was a close confidant of Donald Trump and was involved in many of Trump's business dealings. Cohen was also involved in Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to federal charges of campaign finance violations, tax fraud, and bank fraud. He was sentenced to three years in prison. Cohen has since become a vocal critic of Trump and has testified against him in several investigations. He has also written a book about his experiences with Trump, titled "Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump."

Jury System


The jury system is a fundamental part of the legal system in many countries, including the United States. It is a system in which a group of ordinary citizens, known as jurors, are selected to hear evidence and decide on the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal trial. The jury system is designed to ensure that trials are fair and impartial, and that the verdict is based on the evidence presented, rather than on the personal opinions or biases of the judge or other officials. The jury system is also seen as a way to ensure that the law is applied in a way that is consistent with the values of the community.

Presidential Immunity


Presidential immunity is a legal doctrine that protects the president of the United States from being sued for actions taken while in office. The doctrine is based on the principle of separation of powers, which holds that the president should be able to carry out his duties without fear of being sued for every decision he makes. However, the doctrine is not absolute, and the president can be sued for actions taken before or after his presidency, or for actions taken outside the scope of his official duties. The Supreme Court has ruled on the issue of presidential immunity several times, and the doctrine remains a subject of debate.

Mary Trump


Mary Trump is an American psychologist, author, and podcaster. She is the niece of former President Donald Trump and is known for her book "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man," which was a critical and commercial success. In the book, Trump provides a detailed account of her family's history and her uncle's personality, arguing that his behavior is rooted in his upbringing and his dysfunctional family dynamics. Trump has also been a vocal critic of her uncle's presidency and has spoken out against his policies and his behavior. She is the host of the podcast "The Nerd Avengers" on MaryTrumpMedia.com.

Republican National Convention


The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its candidates for president and vice president of the United States. The convention is typically held in the summer of the election year and is attended by delegates from each state and territory. The delegates vote on the party's platform and nominate the candidates for president and vice president. The convention is also an opportunity for the party to showcase its message and its candidates to the American people. The Republican National Convention is a major event in American politics and is often a source of controversy and debate.

Sentencing


Sentencing is the final stage of a criminal trial, in which the judge determines the punishment that will be imposed on the defendant. The sentence can range from probation to life in prison, depending on the severity of the crime and the defendant's criminal history. The judge will consider a number of factors when determining the sentence, including the nature of the crime, the defendant's remorse, and the potential for rehabilitation. Sentencing is a complex process that is often subject to debate and controversy.

Appeals Process


The appeals process is a legal procedure that allows a defendant to challenge a verdict or sentence that they believe is unfair or incorrect. The defendant can appeal to a higher court, which will review the case and decide whether to overturn the lower court's decision. The appeals process is a complex and time-consuming process, and it is often difficult for defendants to succeed in their appeals. However, the appeals process is an important part of the legal system, as it provides a mechanism for ensuring that justice is served.

Q&A

  • What are the implications of the verdict for Trump's future?

    The verdict has significant implications for Trump's future. It is the first time an American president has been convicted of a crime, and it could have a major impact on his political career. It is unclear whether he will be sentenced to prison, but the conviction could make it more difficult for him to run for president again in 2024. The verdict could also lead to further legal troubles for Trump, as it could embolden prosecutors to pursue other charges against him.

  • What is the significance of the jury system in this case?

    The jury system is a cornerstone of the American legal system, and it is designed to ensure that trials are fair and impartial. In this case, the jury's unanimous guilty verdict is a significant victory for the rule of law. It shows that even the most powerful individuals are subject to the law and that justice can be served, even in cases that are highly politicized.

  • What is the potential for political backlash from Trump and his supporters?

    There is a significant potential for political backlash from Trump and his supporters. Trump has already made false claims of election fraud and has encouraged his supporters to engage in violence. The verdict could further inflame his supporters and lead to protests or other forms of political action. It is important to be aware of the potential for violence and to take steps to protect ourselves and our communities.

  • What is the Supreme Court's pending ruling on presidential immunity?

    The Supreme Court is currently considering a case that could have a major impact on the issue of presidential immunity. The case involves a lawsuit against former President Trump, and the Supreme Court is being asked to rule on whether presidents are immune from prosecution while in office. The ruling could have significant implications for the verdict against Trump and other pending cases against him.

  • What is the next step in the legal process?

    The next step in the legal process is the sentencing hearing. Trump's sentencing hearing has been set for July 11th, and the judge will determine the punishment that will be imposed on him. The sentence could range from probation to prison time. Trump will almost certainly appeal the verdict, and the appeals process could take several years.

  • What is the potential for Trump to be sentenced to prison?

    It is unclear whether Trump will be sentenced to prison. The judge could impose a sentence of probation with no prison time involved. However, the judge could also impose a prison sentence, and the conviction could make it more likely that he will be incarcerated in the future.

  • What is the impact of the conviction on Trump's political future?

    The conviction could have a major impact on Trump's political future. It is unclear whether he will be able to run for president again in 2024, and the conviction could make it more difficult for him to raise money and build support. The conviction could also damage his reputation and make it more difficult for him to influence American politics in the future.

  • What is the potential for violence in the wake of the verdict?

    There is a significant potential for violence in the wake of the verdict. Trump has a history of inciting violence, and his supporters have been known to engage in violent protests. It is important to be aware of the potential for violence and to take steps to protect ourselves and our communities.

  • What is the role of the probation department in the sentencing process?

    The probation department will prepare a report for the judge that will include information about Trump's criminal history, his financial situation, and his potential for rehabilitation. The report will help the judge to determine the appropriate sentence for Trump. The report is not public facing, but it is filed with the court and is available to the prosecution and the defense.

Show Notes

Includes the full, exclusive interview with the prosecution's star witness, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen.

Comments (2)

PJ

1:42 and because the man lacks the integrity and intestinal fortitude to be a decent human being...

Jun 1st
Reply

Steven Halla

So you're still calling it a "hush money" trial when it was an ELECTION INTERFERENCE charge

May 31st
Reply
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Special coverage: Donald Trump found guilty of all charges in New York hush money trial

Special coverage: Donald Trump found guilty of all charges in New York hush money trial

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