Donald Trump sentenced in hush money case without any punishment
On January 10, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in a Manhattan court for his conviction related to hush money payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign. The case involved payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to conceal alleged affairs. Despite the conviction, Judge Juan Merchan issued an “unconditional discharge,” meaning Trump received no jail time, fines, or probation.
This sentencing makes Trump the first U.S. president-elect to assume office with a felony conviction. The judge cited constitutional protections for the president as a factor in the decision. Trump, appearing virtually from Florida, denounced the case as a “witch hunt” and announced plans to appeal the conviction.
The case was brought forward by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and involved 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to the hush money payments. Trump’s defense described the trial and conviction as a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation and election chances. Despite the legal challenges, Trump’s campaign saw a surge in contributions following the indictments, although public and Republican opinion showed mixed reactions.
This sentencing concludes one of four criminal cases Trump faced, with others postponed following his election. The decision highlights ongoing tensions between judicial proceedings and political implications as Trump prepares to assume his second term in office.
