Trump avoids prison or fine in hush-money case sentencing
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| Donald Trump and his lawyer Todd Blanche (left) appear virtually from Florida for his sentencing in his Manhattan hush money case. |
This ruling in the hush-money payment case means Trump will not face any penalties, such as jail time or fines. However, he will still be inaugurated as the first US president with a felony conviction.
Justice Juan Merchan noted the unusual nature of the case, calling it "truly extraordinary" before issuing the sentence.
During a video call from Florida, Trump, with his attorney and two American flags, stated that he is "totally innocent."
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| One of Trump's attorneys, Emil Bove, attends his sentencing hearing in person. |
In May 2024, a New York jury convicted Trump on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records. His sentencing faced several delays due to Supreme Court decisions and the upcoming presidential election in November.
The charges arose from efforts to conceal a hush-money payment to an adult film actress during the final days of the 2016 election. Prosecutors claimed the payment was illegal election interference intended to keep crucial information from voters.
In October 2016, Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 to stay quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. After taking office, Trump reimbursed Cohen in installments and falsely labeled those payments as legal expenses. Each guilty verdict involved a false document related to the cover-up.
Trump pleaded not guilty and denied any sexual relationship with Daniels, claiming the case was driven by political motives.
The six-week trial became a legal, political, and media spectacle. Key witnesses like Cohen and Daniels testified under cross-examination from Trump's lawyers. Trump brought family and Republican supporters to court daily, using media opportunities outside the courtroom to criticize the justice system and his opponents.
He also used the trial's publicity to raise millions from his supporters for legal fees and his presidential campaign.
In the four years since his presidency, Trump faced four separate criminal indictments, but only the New York case went to trial.
On the campaign trail and social media, Trump framed his legal challenges as proof of a corrupt justice system targeting him and his supporters.
Despite the numerous indictments, including two related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump won decisively against Vice President Kamala Harris in November. His victory led to the dropping of federal prosecutions against him, including those for election interference and mishandling classified documents. Another case concerning election interference in Fulton County, Georgia, remains bogged down in delays.
Only the hush-money case reached a conclusion, as Justice Merchan insisted on a personal or virtual appearance for Trump’s sentencing in early January.
The legal battles continued as Trump's lawyers filed appeals and sought to block the hearing at the Supreme Court, which ultimately rejected their request.
They argued that presidents-elect should not face criminal charges, a claim Justice Merchan dismissed, though the argument continues in higher courts.
As Trump's New York trial wrapped up, it marked an intense chapter in his personal and political life. When he takes the oath of office in 10 days, he will be the first U.S. president ever convicted of a felony.
At the end of the sentencing, Justice Merchan offered Trump a final message: "I wish you Godspeed as you assume your second term in office."
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