Explore Donald Trump’s stance on Gaza crisis, conviction in hush money case, US presidential election

Former US President Donald Trump has been convicted by a Manhattan jury on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal ahead of the 2016 presidential election, becoming the first former President ever convicted of a crime.

Juan Merchan, the presiding judge, faces the tough task of sentencing Trump. His sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican party is expected to select their 2024 presidential nominee. Trump turns 78 in June.

Besides the hush-money case, the former President is also facing

1. 13 felony counts in Georgia over his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election result in that state

2. 4 counts in the capital over his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election

3. 40 felony counts in Florida for allegedly hoarding classified documents and hindering the government’s efforts to retrieve them

Donald Trump’s stance on Gaza crisis

The businessman-turned-politician has not said much publicly about the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite implementing hardline pro-Israel policies during his time in office. Recently, he has started taking an increasingly hostile stance against supporters of Palestinians.

Earlier this month, Trump reportedly told donors behind closed doors that he is ready to pursue a zero-tolerance policy in relation to the “radical revolution” that has swept US college campuses lately, he would have deported anti-Israel student protesters.

But at times, he has also been critical of the Israeli campaign. He has also criticised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom his relations appear to have cooled since Netanyahu’s acknowledgement of incumbent US President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.

Can Donald Trump still run for president?

Yes, because a felony conviction does not disqualify the former President from continuing his presidential campaign. Under the constitution, all natural born citizens, at least 35 years old, and staying a US resident for 14 years can run for president.

Donald Trump could potentially face imprisonment. But for majority of first-time offenders in non-violent cases, probation and penalties are common. The 34 charges against the politician are all considered class E felonies in New York, the lowest tier in the state.

Trump is majorly expected to appeal the guilty verdict. In terms of his ability to vote, it is to be determined. For Trump to lose his voting rights, he would need to be incarcerated at the time of the November election, a scenario that is unlikely given his anticipated appeal.

If Donald Trump receives a probationary sentence and gets to reside in the community, he can vote in the upcoming US presidential election. Similarly, if his appeal of a jail sentence were to extend beyond the election, he would be able to cast his vote.