US President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge, marking the end of the first criminal trial of a former US president. This verdict means Trump will face no penalty, including jail time or fines, despite being convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Trump was found guilty in May 2024 for his role in a hush-money payment scheme involving adult film star Stormy Daniels. The charges stemmed from a plot to cover up the payment, which prosecutors argued was a form of election interference aimed at keeping vital information from voters.
During his sentencing, Trump appeared via video call from Florida, declaring himself “totally innocent” and railing against the case, which he claimed was brought for political reasons. Justice Juan Merchan described the case as “truly extraordinary” and acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding the trial.
Despite the conviction, Trump will take office as the first US president with a felony conviction. His sentencing was delayed multiple times due to Supreme Court rulings and the November presidential election.
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