The Daily Star Ireland
A U.S. judge has ruled that President-elect Donald Trump will not face jail time or fines for his criminal conviction linked to hush money payments to an adult film actress. However, the judgment will officially record his guilt, marking a significant moment just days before his inauguration on January 20.
Justice Juan Merchan sentenced Trump, aged 78, to an unconditional discharge, a decision that imposes no penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or probation. This outcome effectively closes a case that had cast a shadow over Trump’s successful bid to return to the White House.
Justice Merchan stated that the unique circumstances of the case warranted this decision, emphasizing that this sentence avoids interfering with the presidency. Trump, who maintains his innocence, pleaded not guilty and has vowed to appeal the conviction. Appearing virtually from Florida alongside his attorney, Todd Blanche, Trump reiterated claims of political persecution, describing the case as a “witch hunt” aimed at damaging his reputation. He emphasized his innocence, stating he did nothing wrong and calling the experience a “terrible ordeal.”
The decision to impose an unconditional discharge aligns with recommendations from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, which argued that any harsher sentence could disrupt Trump’s ability to fulfill his presidential duties. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass highlighted the importance of respecting the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict while maintaining the defendant’s status as a convicted felon. He also criticized Trump for undermining the legitimacy of the judicial process and fostering public distrust in the justice system.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche expressed strong disagreement with the prosecution, asserting that the case should never have been brought to court and confirming plans to appeal. Despite the legal battles, Trump was recently certified as the winner of the 2024 presidential election, four years after losing the 2020 race.
This case marks the first time a U.S. president has been convicted of a felony. Trump, who faced up to four years in prison, was charged in March 2023 with 34 counts of falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from payments made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 to silence claims of an alleged affair, which Trump denies. Prosecutors argued that the payments were part of an effort to corrupt the 2016 election, which Trump won against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Throughout the trial, Trump described the proceedings as a politically motivated attempt to harm his re-election campaign. Despite the conviction and ongoing legal challenges, Trump has used the cases to frame himself as a victim of political bias, energizing his supporters. During the trial, Justice Merchan imposed a $10,000 fine for violating a gag order, and on May 30, the jury found Trump guilty on all 34 charges.
Outside the courthouse, the case drew mixed reactions, with pro-Trump supporters displaying banners and anti-Trump demonstrators holding vigils calling for accountability. Critics argued that the charges reinforced their belief that Trump is unfit for office, while his legal team claimed the case was an attempt to weaponize the justice system against him.
