Donald Trump Spared Jail Time in Historic Hush-Money Case
In a landmark legal decision, President-elect Donald Trump received an "unconditional discharge" in the hush-money case involving adult film star Stormy Daniels. This ruling spared Trump from jail time or fines, despite being the first U.S. president to face a felony conviction.
Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the case, described it as "extraordinary" but emphasized that the proceedings followed normal legal standards once inside the courtroom. Trump's sentence means he will take office without any pending legal restrictions.
Donald Trump and his lawyer Todd Blanche appear virtually from Florida for his sentencing in his Manhattan hush-money case.
Appearing via video call, Trump maintained his innocence, describing the trial as politically motivated and accusing prosecutors of judicial "weaponization." Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who led the case, remained composed as Trump criticized him directly.
The case dates back to a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, to Stormy Daniels in October 2016 to keep an alleged affair private. After winning the presidency, Trump reimbursed Cohen but falsely recorded the payments as legal expenses. A New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May 2024.
Despite multiple delays caused by Supreme Court rulings and the presidential election, the trial concluded as Trump prepared to return to office. Justice Merchan explained that the decision for an unconditional discharge was made to respect the role of the presidency.
During the six-week trial, testimony from figures like Cohen and Daniels drew significant media attention. Trump used the trial as a platform to rally supporters, raising funds and strengthening his narrative of being targeted by a biased system.
Trump’s legal challenges were numerous during the years between his terms. He faced four separate criminal cases, but only the hush-money trial reached a verdict. Two federal cases were dismissed after his election victory, and a Georgia election interference case remains unresolved.
Despite legal troubles, Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris decisively in the 2024 election. As Justice Merchan closed the case, he wished Trump well ahead of his swearing-in, acknowledging the historical significance of a president-elect assuming office with a felony conviction.
Trump's second term will begin with him carrying the weight of a historic conviction, but free of immediate legal penalties as he steps into the White House once more.
