BREAKING: Trump Sentenced Without Penalty!
Trump was sentenced in the Hush Money Case in New York...
Donald Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York, meaning he is now a convicted felon but faces no further penalties. The judge cited Trump's imminent inauguration as president and the unique legal considerations surrounding his office, while also criticizing his conduct during and after the trial as damaging to public trust in the justice system.
The Sentence
Donald Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
The sentence means Trump is now a convicted felon but faces no further penalties.
Judge Juan Merchan cited the unique circumstances of Trump’s impending inauguration as president.
Judge's Statements
Judge Merchan referred to the case as "extraordinary" and the sentence as "the only lawful option" to respect the presidency.
He criticized Trump’s conduct during the trial and his attacks on the judicial system.
Merchan highlighted the damage Trump caused to public trust in the rule of law.
The judge acknowledged that incarceration was authorized but deemed it impractical given Trump’s upcoming presidency.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors recommended an unconditional discharge, emphasizing respect for the presidency despite Trump acting "above the law."
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass accused Trump of damaging the public perception of the justice system.
Trump’s defense argued the charges were politically motivated and legally inappropriate.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche claimed the Manhattan District Attorney pursued the case out of political bias.
Trump's Response
Trump maintained his innocence, claiming the case was a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation.
He criticized the judicial process, calling it a "scam" and asserting there was no legitimate case against him.
Trump vowed to appeal the conviction after the sentencing.
Legal and Political Context
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the sentencing in a 5-4 ruling.
Trump’s conviction arose from hush money payments to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.
The case is one of four criminal cases Trump faced in 2024 and the only one to go to trial.
The gag order imposed during the trial expired after the sentencing.
Historical Significance
Trump becomes the first U.S. president sentenced on criminal charges.
He is set to be sworn in as the 47th president just 10 days after the sentencing, marking him as the only president to face such circumstances.
GO DEEPER
Donald Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
The sentence makes Trump a convicted felon without imposing further penalties.
Judge Juan Merchan cited Trump's imminent inauguration as president as a key reason for the light sentence.
Prosecutors recommended unconditional discharge, acknowledging the unique circumstances.
The judge criticized Trump’s attacks on the judicial system and his behavior during the trial.
Trump maintained his innocence, claiming the case was politically motivated to harm his reputation.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the proceeding in a narrow 5-4 ruling.
Trump's defense argued the charges were politically driven and legally inappropriate.
The case stemmed from hush money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump’s sentence makes him the only U.S. president sentenced on criminal charges.
The gag order imposed during the trial expired after the sentencing.
Trump vowed to appeal the conviction and continued to deny any wrongdoing.
The case was one of four criminal cases Trump faced in 2024, and the only one to go to trial.