Donald Trump Sentenced In Hush Money Case With Unconditional Discharge, First US President Convicted As Felon
Donald Trump's conviction for hush money payments has been formalised, but he received no punishment, allowing him to move to his presidency without legal repercussions.
United States President-elect Donald Trump was formally sentenced on Friday in the hush money case, becoming the first US president convicted of a felony. However, Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan imposed no punishment, granting Trump an unconditional discharge. This decision allows Trump to assume the presidency unencumbered by jail time or fines, despite his conviction.
The case, which saw Trump charged with 34 felonies, aired sordid details of a plot to suppress affair allegations. Trump was found guilty on all counts on May 30, 2024, following a nearly two-month trial. Prosecutors alleged Trump participated in a scheme to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election, including a $130,000 payment to an adult-film star. Trump, who pleaded not guilty, has consistently called the case a "political witch hunt."
During the sentencing, Judge Merchan highlighted the unique nature of the case. “Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” he remarked, as quoted by CNN. He emphasised the extraordinary legal protections afforded to the office of the presidency, stating, “They do not reduce the seriousness of the crime or justify its commission in any way.”
Merchan underscored that the protections stem from the office, not its occupant, asserting, “It is the legal protections afforded to the office of the president of the United States that are extraordinary, not the occupant of the office.”
Prosecutors had recommended the sentence, citing the need to respect the presidency. Merchan's ruling ensures Trump remains a felon but faces no penalties, resolving potential constitutional challenges while cementing his conviction.
Donald Trump Terms Hush Money Case As 'Political Witch Hunt'
Speaking at the hearing, Trump described the case as “a very terrible experience” and reiterated his innocence. “The fact is I’m totally innocent. I did nothing wrong,” he said, adding, “This has been a setback for New York and the New York court system.”
Trump criticised the indictment and the charges, alleging political motivations. “It’s been a political witch hunt, it was done to damage my reputation,” he said, as per CNN. He also disputed the handling of legal expenses, claiming they were properly recorded by accountants.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office had postponed Trump’s sentencing multiple times to address anticipated litigation. On January 3, 2025, Merchan upheld the conviction despite Trump’s November reelection and scheduled the sentencing for January 10.
Trump cited his 2024 election victory remarking that he won “millions and millions of votes” and all seven swing states. He maintained that voters supported him despite the trial, saying, “They’ve been watching your trial, so they understood it.”
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