In a historic development, former President Donald Trump has become the first American president to be convicted of a crime. This decision could impact his support among voters, with one in six indicating it might cost him their backing. In response to the conviction, Trump delivered a rambling speech at Trump Tower on Friday, decrying the United States as a “fascist state” and criticizing the judicial process.

Trump's criminal conviction was handed down on Thursday, making him the first U.S. president to face such a verdict. He has vowed to appeal the decision, with a 30-day window following his sentencing on July 11.

During his address to the press and his supporters on Friday, Trump claimed that witnesses in his case were "literally crucified" and labelled the presiding judge as "highly conflicted" and a "tyrant."

Family members, including his daughter Ivanka, son Barron, and former First Lady Melania, were reportedly present at Trump Tower during the speech. Later, the family is believed to have travelled to his club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

A jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to an election conspiracy. The charges stem from a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose account of an affair threatened to disrupt Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

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