Former U.S. President Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge on Friday for concealing hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This decision makes Trump the first former president convicted of a felony, though he avoided prison time or fines.
New York Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the case, handed down the lightest possible sentence despite Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May 2024.
“Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” Merchan said. “The only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgment of conviction without encroaching on the highest office of the land is an unconditional discharge.”
Trump Reacts to the Sentence
Trump, attending the sentencing virtually, criticized the process, calling it politically motivated. “This has been a terrible experience. I think it’s been a tremendous setback for New York and the New York court system,” he said. “It was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election.”
Appearing on video with two large U.S. flags behind him, Trump watched the proceedings impatiently. He wore a red tie with white stripes as he listened to Judge Merchan’s ruling.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass accused Trump of engaging in a “premeditated and continuous deception” to cover up payments made to Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. “The verdict in this case was unanimous and decisive, and it must be respected,” Steinglass said.
A Dramatic Trial
The case centered on allegations that Trump concealed payments to Daniels to prevent her from revealing an alleged affair before the 2016 election, which Trump ultimately won. Witnesses testified about the payments, and prosecutors argued that Trump’s actions undermined the integrity of the justice system.
Trump had sought to delay the sentencing, but the New York State appeals court rejected his request, and the Supreme Court allowed the sentencing to proceed. Prosecutors opposed any further postponement, emphasizing that Trump still had other legal avenues for appeal in New York.
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Historic Conviction
Trump’s conviction marks the first time a former U.S. president has been found guilty of a felony. Despite his legal troubles, he was certified as the winner of the 2024 presidential election earlier this week, just four years after the Capitol riot that followed his 2020 defeat.
An unconditional discharge upholds the jury’s guilty verdict but does not impose penalties or restrictions. Trump, now 78, could have faced up to four years in prison.
Public Reaction Divided
The case has sparked widespread debate, with supporters and critics of Trump gathering outside the courthouse. Trump supporters waved banners with his name despite strong winds, while anti-Trump protesters held signs reading “Trump is guilty.”
Bennett Gershman, a former prosecutor and law professor at Pace University, criticized Trump’s approach to the case. “He’s thumbing his nose at the judge, the jury, and the justice system,” Gershman said.
Steinglass argued that Trump’s repeated claims of a “witch hunt” were harmful to public trust. “This defendant has caused enduring damage to public perception of the criminal justice system,” he said.
As Trump prepares to be sworn in for a second term in just 10 days, his legal battles remain a focal point. While his sentencing may have spared him immediate penalties, the political and legal implications of his conviction continue to unfold.
For now, Trump’s unconditional discharge ensures the case will not impede his return to the White House, even as the controversy surrounding his actions persists.