Trump Sentenced Without Penalties in Criminal Case
Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, received an unconditional discharge for his criminal conviction in New York. The decision means he will face no fines, prison time, or further penalties.
The sentencing occurred virtually in a Manhattan courtroom, where Trump faced 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to conceal payments to an adult film star.
Judge Juan Merchan delivered the verdict. He stated that discharging Trump was the only sentence that wouldn’t interfere with his duties as president.
Historic Trial Ends with a Unique Sentence
This trial marked a historic moment in U.S. history. It was the first time a former or future president faced criminal charges.
Judge Merchan described the trial as paradoxical. While the courtroom was filled with security and media, the trial itself followed a regular procedure. However, Merchan acknowledged that the circumstances were extraordinary due to Trump’s imminent return to the White House.
“Sir, I wish you Godspeed as you assume your second term in office,” the judge said before leaving the bench.
Prosecutors Pushed for Minimal Sentence
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, recommended an unconditional discharge. This approach respected the jury’s verdict without interfering with Trump’s ability to govern.
An unconditional discharge means that Trump won’t have to serve any sentence or pay fines. However, the conviction will remain on his record.
Trump Maintains His Innocence
Before the formal sentencing, Merchan gave Trump a chance to speak. Trump reiterated his claim that the case was politically motivated.
“I was treated very unfairly,” he said. He argued that the business records were legitimate expenses, not hush-money payments. He claimed that accountants, not him, handled the transactions.
Prosecutors: Trump’s Actions Hurt the Rule of Law
Prosecutors rejected Trump’s claims of political bias.
“The defendant’s conduct is a direct attack on the rule of law,” said prosecutor Josh Steinglass. He added that Trump’s actions damaged public trust in the criminal justice system and endangered court officers.
Supreme Court Declines to Block Sentencing
Trump exhausted his legal options before the sentencing. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, leaving the state court’s verdict intact.
Trump’s lawyers argued that the sentencing would interfere with his presidency. They also claimed presidential immunity under previous Supreme Court rulings. Judge Merchan rejected those claims.
Finality Brings Closure, Despite Planned Appeals
Legal experts believe that this sentencing provides some closure to the case. However, Trump plans to appeal.
Anna Cominsky, a legal expert, said the unconditional discharge offers a chance for the nation to move forward.
“There has to be an end to this case,” she said. “As he assumes the role of president, the nation should be able to focus on the future without this case hanging over his head.”
Conviction Didn’t Hurt Trump’s Popularity
Despite his conviction, Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign thrived.
In May 2024, a jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star. The payment was meant to silence her ahead of the 2016 election.
Jurors heard from 22 witnesses and reviewed key documents like phone records, invoices, and checks to Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
The jury deliberated for just a day and a half before unanimously convicting Trump.
However, Trump’s supporters remained loyal. His legal troubles only boosted his campaign fundraising. Within 24 hours of the guilty verdict, Trump’s campaign raised millions of dollars.
Trump Wins Election Despite Conviction
The criminal case didn’t stop Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
In the 2024 election, 49% of voters chose Trump, handing him his second term as U.S. president. His lawyer, Todd Blanche, said the electoral victory proved that voters believed the case was illegitimate.
Blanche called the case a “political attack” and said Trump’s second term would prevent similar cases in the future.
“The voters saw what this case was and made their decision,” Blanche said. “They chose to bring him back to the White House.”
Blanche will reportedly serve as Deputy Attorney General in Trump’s new administration.
What’s Next for Trump?
While Trump avoided prison time, his legal battles aren’t over.
He plans to appeal the conviction and clear his name. For now, though, Trump is focused on his second term as president, which begins on January 20, 2025.
With the conviction behind him, Trump seems determined to move forward. The nation, too, must now look ahead to four more years of his leadership.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by ANN Media, except for the headline.)
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