Trump sentenced to penalty-free 'unconditional discharge' in hush money case
SUMMARY
Donald Trump was sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" in a New York case involving hush money payments, meaning he will face no penalties despite being labeled a convicted felon under state law. The unprecedented case, centered on 34 counts of falsifying business records tied to payments during the 2016 campaign, has been widely criticized by Trump and his supporters as a politically motivated attack. Judge Juan Merchan acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances, including Trump’s upcoming inauguration, and opted against incarceration, aligning with prosecutors' recommendations for leniency. Trump, speaking remotely, declared his innocence and described the trial as an effort to tarnish his reputation and undermine his political success, making history as the only U.S. leader sentenced on criminal charges before taking office. Trump plans a full appeal, continuing his fight against what he calls a baseless and partisan prosecution.
