Donald Trump has been convicted of fraud by a New York jury, becoming the first US President in history to be criminally convicted.
The 77-year-old was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to commit election fraud.
Mr Trump directed his lawyer to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 (£102,000) to keep her quiet, after a sexual liason with her threatened to derail his Presidential campaign.
Mr Trump's will take place on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be formally nominated for President.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, though similar convictions of the same crime receive fines or probation.
Protests expected
Speaking outside the courtroom following the verdict, the former President claimed the trial was a "rigged, disgraceful trial".
He added: The real verdict is going to be November 5th by the people. And they know what happened here and everybody knows what happened here."
He argued that he is a "very innocent man", claimed the judge was "conflicted", and said "this is long from over".
Meanwhile, Mayor of New York Eric Adams, said authorities were prepared for large-scale protests.
"As we await the next steps, New Yorkers should rest assured that the NYPD stands ready to respond to any and all circumstances, including large-scale protests.
"While peaceful protests and assembly will always be protected, we will not be a city of any form of lawlessness."
Biden spokesperson: 'No one is above the law'
A spokesperson President Biden, who is expected to go head-to-head with Mr Trump for the Presidency later this year, accused the guilty of "pledging to be a dictator".
Michael Tyler, the Biden-Harris campaign's communications director, said: "Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain.
"The threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater. He is running an increasingly unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution, pledging to be a dictator 'on day one' and calling for our Constitution to be 'terminated' so he can regain and keep power," he added.
"A second Trump term means chaos, ripping away Americans' freedoms and fomenting political violence - and the American people will reject it this November."