Donald Trump, U.S. president-elect, has been sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. The unprecedented ruling follows his conviction for falsifying business records and alleged election interference, marking a historic moment ahead of his upcoming inauguration.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has received an "unconditional discharge" in a case linked to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This decision, issued by Judge Juan Merchan, concludes a contentious legal matter that began with Trump’s indictment in early 2023.
The case revolved around a $130,000 payment allegedly made to secure Daniels’ silence about claims of a past affair. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to conceal reimbursements to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who arranged the payment.
Trump was found guilty in May 2024 on 34 charges of falsifying business records, a historic outcome as no former U.S. president had ever faced a felony conviction. Despite the verdict, the sentence means Trump will not face prison time, fines, or probation.
Judge Merchan referred to the case as extraordinary, citing the unusual circumstances of sentencing a president-elect. The upcoming inauguration and the constitutional significance of the presidency influenced the court’s decision. Prosecutors acknowledged the need to uphold the rule of law while preserving respect for the highest office in the land.
Though hush money payments are not illegal in New York, the charges stemmed from accusations of a broader attempt to influence the 2016 election by concealing damaging information.
