Fact Check: Is Donald Trump a criminal

Fact-Check: Is Donald Trump a Criminal?

What We Know

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May 2024, making him the first former president to be convicted of a crime (USA Today). This conviction stemmed from a case involving a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, which prosecutors argued was disguised as legal expenses ahead of the 2016 election (The Atlantic). Following his conviction, Trump received an "unconditional discharge," which means he did not face prison time or probation (USA Today).

Despite this discharge, Trump's felony conviction remains on his record, as it has not been erased through appeal or expungement (USA Today). Additionally, he is appealing this conviction, and the outcome of his appeal is pending (USA Today).

Trump has also faced multiple other legal challenges, including federal indictments related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents, both of which were dismissed after his reelection (The Atlantic). Furthermore, he is involved in a separate election racketeering case in Georgia, which is currently in limbo due to the disqualification of the district attorney handling the case (USA Today).

Analysis

The claim that Donald Trump is a criminal is substantiated by his felony conviction for falsifying business records. This conviction is a matter of public record and has been widely reported across various reputable news outlets, including PBS and CNN. The legal definition of a "criminal" includes individuals who have been convicted of crimes, and since Trump has been convicted, he fits this definition.

However, it is important to note that the term "felon" can carry a significant stigma and is often considered outdated language. While Trump is legally a felon due to his conviction, the implications of this label can vary widely in public perception and discourse (USA Today).

The reliability of the sources reporting on Trump's legal issues is generally high, with major news organizations like USA Today, The Atlantic, and PBS providing thorough coverage. These sources are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards, which adds credibility to the information presented.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

Donald Trump is indeed a criminal in the legal sense, as he has been convicted of felony charges. His conviction for falsifying business records is a significant legal milestone, marking him as the first former president to be found guilty of a crime. Although he received an unconditional discharge and is appealing the conviction, the fact remains that he has a felony conviction on his record, which categorizes him as a criminal.