Despite the verdict, many American financial magnates and wealthy businesspeople are betting on Donald Trump as the winner in the upcoming November presidential election. The jury's decision and the sentencing in July, for the misclassified hush money payments, are unlikely to dampen support for Trump's campaign donations.

Even before the verdict, the «Financial Times» reported that Bill Ackman was leaning towards supporting Trump. Recently, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management shared posts on the platform «X» that described the trial as a weaponization of the justice system and politically motivated, including a comment from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Economic Motives

Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman has already announced his support for Trump. He cited the «dramatic rise in anti-Semitism» in the country and concerns about the current state of the economy, immigration, and foreign policy as reasons for his decision.

According to «Reuters,» Trump's major donors also include casino billionaire Miriam Adelson and Budget Suites hotel chain owner Robert Bigelow. «I am sending President Trump another 5 million dollars as I promised him," Bigelow said after the verdict to the news agency.

Polls Matter More Than the Verdict

«I think that big donors are paying attention to the polls, not the verdict,» said oil businessman Dan Eberhart. "The polls are motivating this latest round of businessmen," Eberhart added, noting that calls from donors have «considerably» increased.

«I haven't met one donor yet that gives a shit about the trial. No matter how much they hate Trump, they think he's getting screwed,» businessman and Republican donor Andy Sabin is quoted as saying. Trump can definitely win the election «as long as he keeps his mouth shut,» he added.

Trump Promises Tax Cuts

Trump is promising tax cuts and deregulation if re-elected. In contrast, Joe Biden is expected to do the opposite in a second term.

«Wall Street has never been known for high character and high values,» Dan Lufkin, co-founder of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, is quoted as saying by «Bloomberg.» «Is there a willingness to support Trump if it looks like he’s on the right track? Yes,» he emphasized. «I'm not proud of that, and I'm not part of it.»

Guilty on All 34 Counts

The jury in the trial before the district court in New York found Trump guilty on all 34 counts after two days of deliberation. The judge will announce the sentence on July 11.

Just minutes after the verdict, Trump's campaign sent out a fundraising email describing the former president as a «political prisoner» and asking, «Is this the end of America?»

Whether Trump's fundraising ability can be sustained by playing the victim remains to be seen. In April, his camp raised more funds for the first time than the Democratic side.

Therefore, the verdict against Trump is not automatically an advantage for the Democrats and Joe Biden. However, an acquittal or a failed trial would certainly have been a disadvantage.

It is also unclear whether donating to Trump's campaign will ultimately be a good investment. In addition to the campaign, large sums are likely to continue being spent on legal fees and potential fines.