Donald Trump’s unconditional discharge in hush money case: Key takeaways

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In a historic and controversial ruling, a New York court sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge in a hush money case involving unaccounted payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. While the conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records stands, the sentence allows Trump to avoid imprisonment, fines, or probation due to the extraordinary legal protections afforded to the office of the presidency. Trump, who assumes the presidency in 10 days, now holds the unprecedented title of being the first convicted felon to lead the United States.

• Donald Trump, convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records, has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge.
• This means Trump has been found guilty but will not face jail time, fines, or probation, primarily due to his status as President elect.
• The decision upholds his conviction while allowing him to assume office on January 20, protected by the extraordinary legal immunities of the presidency.

• Trump becomes the first sitting or former U.S. president to face criminal trial, be convicted, and be sentenced.
• He is now set to become the first convicted felon to hold the office of President.

• Judge Juan Merchan emphasized that the legal protections afforded to the office of the presidency constrained him from imposing penalties.
• Merchan clarified that the protections apply to the office, not the individual occupying it.
• The judge stated that the only lawful sentence without compromising the presidency’s legal sanctity was an unconditional discharge.

• Trump maintained his stance that the case was a "political witch hunt" and showed no remorse for his actions.
• During the virtual sentencing, he criticized the prosecutors, the judge, and his former lawyer Michael Cohen, while reiterating that voters supported him despite the trial.

• Prosecutors argued that Trump’s actions undermined public trust in the justice system and showed his disregard for the rule of law.
• Assistant District Attorney Josh Steinglass accused Trump of inciting others to reject the jury verdict.

• The seven-week trial was conducted without audio or video recordings, but an audio recording of the sentencing was made public.
• The Supreme Court previously rejected Trump’s attempt to halt sentencing, allowing the case to proceed.

• The sentence allows Trump to continue pursuing appeals, though legal experts suggest the conviction is unlikely to affect his presidency.
• Trump’s legal team plans to challenge the conviction, leveraging the immunity of his office while in power.

• Sentencing was postponed multiple times, allowing Trump’s electoral victory to preclude any immediate penalties.
• Speculation remains about how sentencing might have differed if it occurred before the election or if Trump had lost.

• Trump’s defense attorneys are expected to appeal the conviction through New York appellate courts and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Some of Trump’s top defense lawyers are slated to join his administration, raising further questions about the intersection of legal battles and his presidency.

Judge Merchan concluded the sentencing with a formal acknowledgment of Trump’s forthcoming presidency, wishing him “Godspeed” in his second term.