In a groundbreaking ruling, Judge Juan Merchan has granted Donald Trump an unconditional discharge, concluding the former president's first criminal trial amidst a controversial hush-money payment scandal. The ruling means Trump faces no jail time or fines, marking an unprecedented moment in American political history, as he prepares to take office with a felony conviction.
Trump Granted Unconditional Discharge in Landmark Hush-Money Case
Trump Granted Unconditional Discharge in Landmark Hush-Money Case
In a historic ruling, former US President Donald Trump receives an unconditional discharge, escaping prison or penalties in a criminal trial.
Trump appeared virtually from Florida for his sentencing, asserting his "total innocence" and branding the trial a politically motivated "weaponization" of the judicial system. Speaking directly to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, he claimed the case was unfairly constructed against him.
Justice Merchan described the trial as unique, noting the public and media frenzy surrounding it but drawing parallels to other cases faced in the court. He stated that despite the charges, the legal system judged cases every day, and after extensive deliberation, decided on the unconditional discharge, allowing Trump to assume the presidency unencumbered by legal proceedings.
This trial stemmed from a notorious $130,000 hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election, orchestrated by Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors argued this constituted a means of hindering voters' access to crucial information. After a six-week trial featuring testimonies from high-profile characters, Trump was found guilty on all counts related to falsifying business records, which all fell under the umbrella of election law violations.
Amidst a swirl of political upheaval, Trump portrayed himself as a victim of a rigged legal system, leveraging the situation to galvanize his supporters. This case is one of four criminal cases against him, with the hush-money trial being the only one to reach a conclusion, despite numerous appeals and ongoing legal battles.
Justice Merchan concluded the hearing with a message wishing Trump "Godspeed" as he approaches his second presidential term, making history as the first sitting president to enter office with a felony conviction.
Justice Merchan described the trial as unique, noting the public and media frenzy surrounding it but drawing parallels to other cases faced in the court. He stated that despite the charges, the legal system judged cases every day, and after extensive deliberation, decided on the unconditional discharge, allowing Trump to assume the presidency unencumbered by legal proceedings.
This trial stemmed from a notorious $130,000 hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election, orchestrated by Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors argued this constituted a means of hindering voters' access to crucial information. After a six-week trial featuring testimonies from high-profile characters, Trump was found guilty on all counts related to falsifying business records, which all fell under the umbrella of election law violations.
Amidst a swirl of political upheaval, Trump portrayed himself as a victim of a rigged legal system, leveraging the situation to galvanize his supporters. This case is one of four criminal cases against him, with the hush-money trial being the only one to reach a conclusion, despite numerous appeals and ongoing legal battles.
Justice Merchan concluded the hearing with a message wishing Trump "Godspeed" as he approaches his second presidential term, making history as the first sitting president to enter office with a felony conviction.
