'How much damage': Analysis shows Trump is 'bracing for a guilty verdict' in criminal case

Donald Trump is preparing himself and his supporters for a likely guilty verdict in the New York hush money cover-up case, according to a report.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts of falsification of business records, which is one part of the alleged scheme to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels had a story about a sexual encounter that she intended to sell, and Trump purportedly paid her $130,000 through his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen.

While Trump has talked a big game regarding beating the charges, his actions show another expectation, according to USA Today.

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"When former president and 2024 candidate Donald Trump claims that the judicial system wants to put him in jail, he's not just protesting the ongoing hush money trial. Trump is also bracing voters for the possibility of a guilty verdict," the Sunday report states. "At political rallies, on social media, and to reporters gathered at the courthouse in New York, Trump's attacks on the trial are designed in part to persuade voters to disregard a bad verdict, according to aides, legal analysts, and a review of his remarks."

USA Today goes on to say another tell is Trump's talk of an appeal.

"Trump and supporters have also predicted that a guilty verdict would be reversed on appeal, a step that would not be necessary if he is acquitted or if there is a hung jury," it reported. "Legal experts said Trump has little choice but to brace for a guilty verdict, given how it might affect his campaign against President Joe Biden."

While the indictments are thought by some to have helped Trump in primary polling, the same isn't necessarily expected of a guilty verdict.

"'His base will believe everything he says,' said Bradley P. Moss, a Washington, D.C., lawyer who specializes in government transparency issues. 'The question is independents.'"

"Moss also said that, while Trump's base will stick with him no matter what, it's hard to see how a guilty verdict would help him," according to the outlet. "'I don't see anything good coming out of this for Trump,' Moss said. 'The question is how much damage it does.'"

Read the full article here.