JUST IN: Trump was sentenced to unconditional discharge in the New York hush-money case.
The case centered on payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election, leading to Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Despite the conviction, the unconditional discharge means Trump will face no jail time, fines, or probation.
Appearing virtually from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump reiterated his stance that the case was a politically motivated attack. He expressed intentions to appeal the conviction, maintaining that the charges were baseless. Before learning his fate, he called the trial a ‘political witch hunt,’ said it was ‘terrible for New York,’ and whined that it had damaged his reputation.
This sentencing concludes a protracted legal battle that has seen multiple delays due to Trump’s presidential campaign and subsequent election victory. The Supreme Court recently declined to intervene, allowing the sentencing to proceed just days before Trump’s inauguration.
The decision has sparked debate among legal experts and the public. Critics argue that the lack of punitive measures undermines the judicial process, while supporters contend that any punishment could interfere with presidential duties.
As Trump prepares to take the oath of office, this unprecedented scenario raises questions about the implications of a sitting president with a felony conviction and the potential impact on his administration.