The former president’s legal team said they plan to appeal the verdict.
On Thursday, May 30th, a New York jury issued a unanimous verdict on a case involving former President Donald Trump. The jury said that they found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, attempting to cover up negative press, and an unlawful $130,000 payment. This is the first time in U.S. history that a sitting or former president has been convicted of a felony.
“We’ll keep fighting,” President Trump said in response to the verdict, adding that he and his team plan to appeal the case. In addition to this case, former President Trump has additional pending cases regarding the handling of classified documents and alleged 2020 election interference.
Demonstrators and protestors outside the courthouse clashed following the announcement of the verdict and had to be removed by police. Many around the nation have voiced concern about the potential for unrest and have urged peace and prayer.
The official sentencing hearing is set for July 11 at 10 am. New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, the judge presiding over the case, said he is not interested in jail time as a sentence and acknowledged the gravity of this verdict, “You are the former president of the United States and possibly the next president, as well.”
While those around the nation wrestle with emotion, either in favor of the verdict or against it, our hope must remain in God alone. In divided and unprecedented times, on dark and difficult roads, and in times of favor and blessing, we must remember that God is in control and His hands are on our nation. Nothing that happens is beyond His reach or understanding.
As Christians, we must remember our calling to pray. As 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” And in response to those we don’t agree with and to those who seek to do us harm, Jesus commanded, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For peace around the nation following the verdict today.
- For the former President Trump and his family as they navigate this time.
- For members of Congress, the presidential administration, and state and local officials as they respond to the news, that God would direct their words.
- For Judge Juan Merchan as he reviews the case and prepares for the sentence in July.
Sources: Reuters, CNN, Fox News, The Hill, AP News, MSNBC, UPI, ABC News, New York Times, Bloomberg, Time Magazine
