An already chaotic election year in the United States of America received its latest twist last week after a New York court convicted the former US president, Donald Trump, for illegal hush money payments to the adult star, Stormy Daniels, ahead of his successful 2016 presidential run. Mr Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts in a case that relied on testimonies against him by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, and other ex-associates. The judge in the case has set July 11 as the date for the sentencing. In theory, Mr Trump could be sent to jail, although felons rarely face prison time in New York unless they have also been convicted on more serious charges — this is not the case with the businessman-turned-politician. Yet, the verdict appears poised to shape the narratives of both competing sides ahead of the November election. Mr Trump’s campaign has presented him as a victim of political persecution by the administration of the incumbent president, Joe Biden. Mr Biden’s Democratic Party is expected to tell voters that the verdict underscores the prospect that if they elect Mr Trump, the US could have a president who might end up in jail mid-term. After all, Mr Trump faces a series of other cases.

In the past, Mr Trump has been able to turn legal and other challenges into political capital, playing up his story of victimhood at the hands of the so-called deep State represented by Mr Biden and his administration. Already, since the conviction, the former president’s team has seen a surge in campaign donations. While most voters for Mr Trump’s Republican Party say his legal woes would not affect their support for his candidature, some polls have suggested that electors in key swing states might rethink their choices. This is significant since Mr Trump leads in most swing states according to current polls. If Mr Trump faces any restrictions on movement because of the conviction, that could also affect his ability to campaign freely. How that might impact his passionate supporters remains to be seen. Mr Trump has already warned that his supporters might reach “breaking point” if he is jailed. What is clear is that the conviction has further raised the temperature in a tense political climate. Over the next few months, American democracy is about to be tested like never before.