Former President Donald Trump was surrounded by family members at Trump Tower following his hush money trial conviction, with sources describing the mood among his closest allies as “gloomy.” Former first lady Melania Trump and the couple’s son Barron joined Trump in New York City, with Melania spotted going into the tower later in the evening. An insider noted that everyone except Ivanka had gathered around Trump, with witnesses saying he appeared older and tired. Trump spoke to all his children after the ruling, with one insider mentioning that the people in Trump world are disheartened by the outcome. Trump’s attorney confirmed that they plan to appeal the verdict.
Melania and Ivanka Trump were reportedly very quiet after the verdict, leading some to believe that they had expected the conviction. Ivanka, who had previously stayed away from her father’s 2024 campaign, posted a childhood picture of her and her father on her Instagram story with a caption expressing her love for him. Sources close to Ivanka noted that her focus on family over politics has not changed as a result of the verdict, with one source suggesting that it may affect her entry into the campaign. Despite the disappointment in Trumpworld, friends of Trump say that they anticipated the outcome and are prepared for the next steps, including the appeal process. The jury deliberated for 11 hours across two days before convicting Trump on every count brought by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.
Trump is the first former president in US history to be found guilty of a crime, but the guilty verdict does not prevent him from running for or holding office. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11, one week before he is set to formally accept the Republican presidential nomination. Trump is expected to remain free until then, as he is a first-time offender and the crime he was convicted of is non-violent. Speaking to reporters after the verdict, Trump denounced the trial as rigged, accusing the judge of corruption and bias. He claimed innocence and vowed to continue fighting for the country and the Constitution, insisting that the real verdict will come from the people in November.
The mood among Trump’s supporters was described as gloomy and downcast, with a sense of disappointment hanging over Mar-a-Lago. Despite the setback, Trump’s family has reportedly rallied around him, showing their support as he faces the legal challenges ahead. Trump’s attorney confirmed that they plan to appeal the verdict, expressing confidence that they will prevail. Ivanka’s entry into her father’s campaign may be delayed by the verdict, with sources suggesting that she may wait until the convention to get involved, if she decides to at all. The mood in Trumpworld was one of hope for a different outcome, with many expecting Trump to be acquitted or face a hung jury, making the swift conviction a surprise to some.
As Trump prepares for his sentencing hearing and the upcoming legal battle, his supporters remain steadfast in their belief in his innocence. Some view the trial as a political ploy by the Biden administration to weaken Trump as a political opponent. Trump’s defiant response to the guilty verdict reflects his determination to continue fighting, with the upcoming appeal seen as the next step in the ongoing legal saga. Despite the disappointment and challenge ahead, Trump and his allies remain resolute in their belief that the truth will prevail in the end.
