So, it actually happened. After months of courtroom drama, 12 ordinary New Yorkers sat in a room and decided that a former President of the United States was, in fact, a criminal.
Trump convicted of 34 felonies.
It sounds like a headline from a political thriller, but for Donald Trump, it’s just reality now. Honestly, the sheer volume of the counts—34—feels a bit overwhelming until you realize they all stem from the same paper trail. We’re talking about a "catch and kill" scheme that basically went sideways, leading to the first time in American history that a former commander-in-chief became a convicted felon.
The 34 Counts Explained (Simply)
Most people hear "34 felonies" and think of 34 different crimes. In reality, it was one singular effort to hide a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, chopped up into 34 specific pieces of paper.
Each count represented a specific business record that prosecutors said was faked. We're talking about:
👉 See also: What Category Was Harvey? The Surprising Truth Behind the Number
- 11 invoices from Michael Cohen.
- 12 ledger entries in the Trump Organization's books.
- 11 checks (nine of which were personally signed by Trump while he was in the Oval Office).
Basically, the prosecution’s case was that these weren't "legal expenses" for a "retainer agreement" that didn't exist. They were reimbursements for hush money. To make it a felony in New York, District Attorney Alvin Bragg had to prove Trump didn’t just lie on his books to save face—he did it to hide another crime. That "other crime" was a violation of New York election law, specifically conspiring to promote a candidacy by unlawful means.
Why the Jury Actually Bought It
You’ve probably heard people say Michael Cohen is a liar. The defense certainly hammered that point home every single day. But here’s what most people get wrong: the jury didn’t just take Cohen’s word for it.
Prosecutors were kinda smart about this. They built what they called a "mountain of evidence" around him so they wouldn't have to rely on his testimony alone. They showed the jury handwritten notes from former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. These notes literally did the math on how to "gross up" the $130,000 to $420,000 so Cohen could pay his taxes and still get a bonus.
Then there was the "Access Hollywood" tape. It’s easy to forget how much that mattered. The prosecution argued that after that tape leaked, the Trump campaign was in a total panic. They couldn't afford another scandal. That’s why the payment to Stormy Daniels suddenly became an emergency in October 2016.
✨ Don't miss: When Does Joe Biden's Term End: What Actually Happened
The Sentence That Nobody Expected
After the conviction on May 30, 2024, everyone was guessing. Would he go to Rikers Island? Would he get probation?
Things got weird after Trump won the 2024 election. The legal system had to figure out how to sentence a President-elect. On January 10, 2025, Judge Juan Merchan finally handed down the sentence: unconditional discharge.
Basically, this means the 34 felony convictions stay on Trump’s record, but he doesn't have to do jail time, pay a fine, or report to a probation officer. For a lot of people, this felt like a letdown. Critics argued it proved there’s a two-tier justice system where the wealthy and powerful get a pass. On the flip side, Trump’s supporters argued the case was a "witch hunt" that should have been dismissed entirely.
What’s Happening Now?
As of early 2026, the case is far from over. Trump is currently appealing the conviction in the New York courts. His legal team is leaning hard into a 2024 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. They’re arguing that some of the evidence used in the trial—like testimony about things that happened while he was in the White House—should have been off-limits.
🔗 Read more: Fire in Idyllwild California: What Most People Get Wrong
Recently, a federal appeals court even gave him another shot at moving the case to federal court to argue these immunity points. If he wins that, the whole conviction could potentially be tossed out.
Actionable Insights: Why You Should Care
Whether you’re a fan of the guy or not, this case changed the rules of the game for the presidency.
- Precedent is set: We now know that a former president can be tried and convicted in state court. This removes the "aura of invincibility" that used to surround the office.
- Business records matter: If you run a business, this case is a massive warning about the "intent to defraud." Even minor ledger entries can become felonies if they’re linked to broader conspiracies.
- Election law has teeth: The "unlawful means" theory used by Bragg shows that state prosecutors can find ways to police federal election influence through local statutes.
For now, the 34 felonies remain on the books. They didn't stop him from returning to the White House, but they’ve permanently altered his legacy and the legal landscape of the American presidency. Keep an eye on the New York Appellate Division; their upcoming ruling on the immunity challenge is the next big domino to fall.
Check the official New York Unified Court System filings if you want to see the actual 111-page appeal. It’s a dense read, but it’s the primary source for exactly how the defense plans to undo the verdict. Stick to primary court documents rather than punditry if you want the real story.