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A judge has officially issued an “unconditional discharge” for Donald Trump, who is set to become the United States’ first president with a felony conviction. This ruling marks the conclusion of a landmark criminal trial involving a former U.S. president, centered around hush-money payments.
The verdict from the court means that Trump will not face any penalties such as jail time or fines related to this case. However, he will step into office carrying the weight of a felony conviction associated with false business records.
Justice Juan Merchan remarked on the unprecedented nature of the case, describing it as “truly extraordinary” just prior to delivering the sentence. Trump appeared via video from Florida, flanked by his legal counsel and American flags, and took the opportunity to assert his innocence. He characterized the legal proceedings as a significant ordeal, highlighting his view that the judicial system has been weaponized against him for political motives.
During his remarks, Trump stated, “This has been a very terrible experience,” elaborating that the case was driven by political agendas initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. He expressed gratitude for the chance to address the court but quickly fell silent after emphasizing his feelings of unfair treatment.
Bragg, observing Trump’s address, maintained a neutral demeanor throughout the session, only offering a slight smile when Trump posited that Bragg had hesitated to pursue the case.
Justice Merchan took a moment to reflect on the complexities of the situation, noting that despite the heightened public interest and media scrutiny, the courtroom proceedings were similar to those of many other cases being handled concurrently. Yet, he acknowledged the unique aspect of Trump being convicted and subsequently re-elected to a second presidential term, leading to the unusual decision to impose an unconditional discharge to avoid impacting the highest office in the land.
In May 2024, Trump was found guilty by a New York jury on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, a verdict influenced by a delayed sentencing process affected by Supreme Court decisions and the looming November election.
The charges originated from efforts to conceal a hush-money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the closing days of the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors asserted that the payment was a violation of election laws designed to keep the information from the electorate.
In October 2016, Trump’s attorney, Michael Cohen, arranged a payment of $130,000 to Daniels to prevent her from speaking publicly about an alleged affair with Trump. Following his election, Trump reimbursed Cohen, categorizing the payments as legal expenses—a classification that would later form the basis of the charges against him.
Trump has consistently denied the alleged affair and claimed the prosecution was fueled by partisan motivations. His trial attracted substantial media attention, with notable personalities like Cohen and Daniels providing testimony. Trump frequently utilized media opportunities outside the courtroom to criticize the justice system and rally his supporters.
Despite facing multiple indictments across different cases, the hush-money trial was the only one that proceeded to completion. Trump capitalized on his legal challenges to portray himself and his supporters as victims of an unjust judicial environment.
He ultimately triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election, which had implications for the federal cases unfolding against him, leading to the dismissal of some charges pending the electoral outcome. However, ongoing legal proceedings related to election interference in Georgia remain unresolved as delays continue.
As Trump’s legal team pursued several appeals and attempts to halt the trial proceedings, they faced setbacks, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of their requests. The argument that presidents-elect should have immunity from prosecution was dismissed by Justice Merchan but is still being debated at higher levels of the judicial system.
The completion of Trump’s trial represents a pivotal moment in his political narrative, setting the stage for his swearing-in as the first U.S. president to enter office with a felony conviction. As the session concluded, Justice Merchan offered a closing sentiment: “I wish you Godspeed as you assume your second term in office.”
Source
www.bbc.com