Democracy Dies in Darkness

What each possible Trump verdict might mean for 2024

Here’s a run-through the possible outcomes, and how they could play politically.

Analysis by
Staff writer
May 28, 2024 at 11:28 a.m. EDT
Former president Donald Trump arrives at a campaign event in the Bronx last week. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)
7 min

Closing arguments are underway in the Manhattan criminal trial of Donald Trump. That means a jury will soon be asked for the first time in history whether to convict a former president of the United States.

Trump stands charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election. Prosecutors say this amounted to illegally seeking to influence the election.